What is an essay / personal statement?

What is an essay / personal statement?

In an essay or personal statement, you have the opportunity to tell your story. The decision the Admissions Office must make is about more than your grades and extracurricular activities. They want to know about your interests, your values, and your character.
An essay is therefore an opportunity for the Admissions Office to get a better picture of you and what you have to offer. It is often the most personal component of the application and goes beyond grades and standardized test scores. The essays usually contain open-ended assignments that allow you to demonstrate your writing skills and make a personal statement. There are usually several topics from which you can choose one.

For the content of your essay you usually have a relatively large leeway, it is important that one recognizes why you are interested in studying at the respective college, why you see in it an added value for you and your future and why the university should accept you.

Of course, you can also talk about the sport you play. It is important that there is a common thread, clear theses (not too many) and a clear conclusion. You can also write on a specific topic and then bridge to the university at the end.

Important info:
  1. Length: About 400-600 words (may be predefined)
  2. Language: English

Hint:
You can find good examples of essays on this Hopkins University page.


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