An Essay or Personal Statement is one of the most personal components of your college application. While grades and test scores provide an objective picture of your academic performance, an essay is about who you are as a person. This component allows the Admissions Office to gain deeper insight into your personality, values, and motivation. The essay gives you the opportunity to tell your story and highlight the things that make you unique.
Typically, you will have several topics or questions to choose from. Each university has its own guidelines, but the goal is always the same: to show why you would be an asset to the university and how the college can support you on your personal and academic journey.
The essay plays a crucial role in the selection process because:
It provides insight into your personality: What drives you? What are your interests and goals?
It showcases your written communication skills: Can you express your thoughts in a structured and clear way? How do you handle complex issues?
It highlights your individual strengths: The essay offers you the opportunity to emphasize your uniqueness and set yourself apart from other applicants.
It demonstrates your interest in the university: By drawing connections between your values and the university's philosophy, you can make it clear why this particular college is the perfect fit for you.
Each university has its own set of topics for you to choose from. These questions aim to learn more about you as a person. Here are some common examples that frequently appear in essays:
Sample topics:
"Describe an event that has changed your perspective on life."
This is about how you respond to new experiences and what you have learned from them.
"Who is the person who has influenced you the most and why?"
The university wants to know who your role models are and what values they have imparted to you.
"Tell us about a challenge you had to overcome."
This question aims to see how you handle difficulties and how you have grown from crises.
"Why do you want to study at this university?"
Here, it is important to clearly articulate your personal motivation and specifically address the university.
"Describe a moment when you showed leadership."
This question focuses on your leadership skills and how you take on responsibility.
"What book has broadened your horizons and why?"
This question is meant to reveal the topics that interest you and your intellectual pursuits.
A successful essay is well-structured and follows a clear narrative. Here is a proven structure that you can use as a guide:
Introduction: (approx. 50-100 words)
Briefly introduce yourself and provide an overview of the topic of your essay. Use the introduction to capture the reader's interest. Start with an anecdote, a quote, or an intriguing question that piques the reader's curiosity.
Example:
"When I stepped onto the tennis court for the first time at age 6, I never imagined that this sport would shape not only my competitive spirit but also my approach to life."
Body: (approx. 250-400 words)
Tell your story and answer the given question. The body should consist of at least two to three paragraphs. Make sure to use clear examples and experiences to support your statements.
Example structure for the body:
Describe the experience or situation
Reaction and reflection
Lesson learned and connection to your life
Example:
"In my junior year, I faced the toughest match of my career. After losing the first set, I had to dig deep and find a new strategy. It wasn't just about changing my game—it was about changing my mindset. This experience taught me resilience and the power of adapting under pressure."
Conclusion: (approx. 50-100 words)
Conclude your essay with a clear summary and outlook. Make sure your essay has a strong ending that convinces the university that you are the right candidate for them.
Example:
"I believe that the values I have developed through tennis—resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking—are the same qualities I will bring to the university community. I am excited to contribute and continue growing in an environment that values determination and academic excellence."
Example 1: Overcoming a challenge
"Growing up in a small village in Austria, opportunities to pursue my passion for track and field were limited. Our school had no official team, and I had to travel over an hour each day just to train. However, this situation only fueled my determination. Through sheer dedication, I managed to qualify for national competitions, proving that hard work and perseverance can overcome any obstacle."
Example 2: Influence of a person
"My grandfather has always been my biggest role model. A former professional football player, he taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and humility. When I decided to pursue a college sports career, he was the one who encouraged me to aim for the best and to never settle for mediocrity. His guidance has shaped my character and continues to inspire me every day."
Example 3: Why this university
"The University of XYZ stands out to me because of its strong emphasis on both academic and athletic excellence. I am particularly drawn to the interdisciplinary approach in the Business Studies program and the opportunity to work closely with faculty on real-world projects. I am excited to bring my background in leadership and sports management to this dynamic environment and make a positive contribution to the university community."
Remain authentic: Write from your perspective and avoid fabricating things.
Showcase your personality: The essay should have your personal voice.
Focus on a main theme: Avoid addressing too many topics.
Use concrete examples: Demonstrate your points through experiences and situations.
Have your essay proofread: A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have overlooked.
A well-structured and clearly written essay can make all the difference in your application. Use this opportunity to show who you really are and why you want to study at your dream university. If you need help with writing your essay, the Smarthlete team is available to assist you at any time.