Writing a personal statement for someone else requires understanding their experiences, skills, and aspirations, then articulating them in a compelling and authentic way. You're essentially telling their story, not yours.
Understanding the Task
Before you start writing, you need to gather information. This isn't about making things up; it's about highlighting the best aspects of their background and personality.
1. The Information Gathering Phase
- In-Depth Conversation: The most crucial step is to have a thorough conversation (or several) with the individual. Ask about their motivations, goals, relevant experiences, and what they hope to convey to the admissions committee (or employer, scholarship provider, etc.).
- Review Their Materials: Ask for their resume/CV, academic transcripts (if applicable), and any other relevant documents. This helps you understand their qualifications and achievements.
- Understand the Requirements: Carefully review the specific requirements of the application. What are the key qualities or experiences the institution is looking for? Tailor the statement accordingly.
- Identify Their Strengths: Help them identify their unique strengths and how those strengths relate to the opportunity. What makes them stand out from other applicants?
2. Structuring the Personal Statement
A typical personal statement structure includes:
- Introduction: A captivating opening that grabs the reader's attention and introduces the applicant's key theme or goal. Avoid generic phrases.
- Body Paragraphs: These sections elaborate on the applicant's experiences, skills, and motivations. Use specific examples to illustrate their points. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or experience. Use positive language (achieved, developed, learned).
- Concluding Paragraph: Summarize the key points and reiterate the applicant's suitability for the opportunity. End with a strong and confident statement about their future goals.
3. Key Considerations When Writing
- Authenticity is Key: The personal statement should sound like the applicant. Avoid using language or tone that is not consistent with their personality.
- Focus on "Why": Explain why they are interested in the opportunity and why they are a good fit.
- Show, Don't Tell: Instead of simply stating that they are "hardworking," provide examples that demonstrate their work ethic.
- Use Positive Language: Words like "enthusiasm," "commitment," and "passion" can create a more positive impression (as suggested by the referenced article).
- Be Concise and Clear: Admissions committees often review many applications. Make every word count. Avoid jargon and unnecessary fluff.
- Proofread Carefully: Ensure the statement is free of grammatical errors and typos.
4. The Editing Process
- Review and Revise: After writing the initial draft, review it carefully and make revisions as needed. Ensure the statement flows logically and effectively conveys the applicant's message.
- Get Feedback: Ask the applicant to review the statement and provide feedback. Make sure they are happy with the final product.
- Final Polish: Do a final proofread to catch any remaining errors.
Example Scenario
Let's say you are writing a personal statement for a student applying to a computer science program. Through your conversations, you learn that they were inspired by a coding camp they attended in high school and are particularly interested in artificial intelligence. You might start the introduction by describing their experience at the coding camp and how it sparked their passion for computer science. The body paragraphs could then elaborate on their relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal projects. The conclusion could reiterate their interest in AI and their desire to contribute to the field.
Important Note
While you can help someone write a personal statement, it should ultimately be their own work. You are assisting them in articulating their thoughts and experiences, not fabricating a story.
