When you’re writing a college essay and your personal statement it is important to express good grammar, punctuation, and spelling. You want to express a level of professionalism and intelligence with the college admission process. Avoid using slang, colloquialism, and other forms of informal dialogue. 

Here is where you want to tell prospective colleges your story and why you would be a great addition to their college. Tell them why your unique circumstances growing up equip you for the responsibility and demand that college will ask of you. Whatever you feel comfortable sharing and you feel is relevant to the essay, put into the essay. Talk about your accomplishments in school, where you volunteered, your job experience, sports you have played, and other certifications you might have. 

Writing a good college essay or personal statement is crucial for making a strong impression on admissions committees. Here are ten tips to help you craft a compelling and effective essay:

1. Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, and revise. Starting early reduces stress and allows time for thorough editing.

2. Be Authentic: Write in your own voice and be honest about your experiences and feelings. Authenticity resonates more than trying to guess what admissions officers want to hear.

3. Show, Don’t Tell: Use specific anecdotes and examples to illustrate your points rather than making general statements. This makes your essay more vivid and engaging.

4. Focus on a Unique Angle: Choose a topic or perspective that sets you apart. Highlight what makes you unique, whether it’s an unusual hobby, a personal challenge, or a significant achievement.

5. Be Concise: Stick to the word limit and be clear and concise in your writing. Avoid unnecessary words and tangents that dilute your message.

6. Highlight Growth and Learning: Discuss how your experiences have shaped you, what you’ve learned, and how you’ve grown. Admissions officers are interested in your personal development.

7. Proofread and Edit: Review your essay multiple times and seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers. Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and refine awkward sentences.

8. Stay Positive: Focus on positive outcomes and what you’ve gained from experiences, even if they were challenging. A positive tone leaves a better impression.

9. Answer the Prompt: Ensure that your essay directly addresses the prompt or question. Staying on topic is crucial for a coherent and relevant essay.

10. Create a Strong Opening and Closing: Grab the reader’s attention with a compelling opening and leave a lasting impression with a memorable conclusion. The beginning and end are what readers often remember most.