How do you show your values in a personal statement?

é simplesmente aquilo que precisamos fazer para nos realizar como seres humanos completos. é entender o que faz cada um de nós acordar todas as manh?s. Uma vez que cada indivíduo é único, uma declara??o de miss?o irá refletir sua unicidade, tanto na forma quanto no conteúdo.

What motivates you every morning? How do you value relationships? What's the toughest decision you made till date? What's your compass to make life's choices? These are simple questions to identify your values. Once you know yourself well, you will relate to the school values at a deeper level and have the instances to share.

Identifying core values is a great exercise I like to do with students at the beginning of college essay brainstorming. Sometimes it can be hard for students to identify and articulate these, so we start with a long list of values, and then ask students to narrow down to their top 10, top 5, and finally, their top 3. As they continue to work on their essays, we ask them to keep thinking about those 3 core values, and whether they're coming through in the essay and the story. Ultimately, by incorporating the core values that are unique to them into their personal statement and the narrative they share, students can ensure that that essence of who they are, and their fit with the university or program will shine through.

It's very important to introspect and ask yourself 'WHY' you're applying to a particular college in the first place - it will make you understand what you value in your long-term/short-term career, helping you make these critical choices. A good brainstorming method is to ask yourself 'why' a minimum of 5 times & see which answer you end up with - you might be surprised!! The conversation may go like - "I want to apply to college X"> Why> "It has an excellent location. It's in Z">Why is that important>"Because I want to break into a career in Tech, and that's a hub"> Why do you want to do that> "It seems like a natural progression from my current role"> Why do you want to continue > "Because I am passionate in building A for B".

As always with admissions essays, you need to tell a few good stories, and that means giving just the right details to engage the reader, that show how the experience impacted you or your organization, and that demonstrate your motivations. By the end of your essay, your core values should shine through.

Imagine you're penning the most important chapter of your autobiography. You've got a plethora of experiences, but the key is to choose those moments that truly reflect the essence of your character. If your value compass points towards empathy, narrate that time you went beyond the call of duty to help someone in need. Or, if innovation sparks your soul, recount the tale of how you turned an ordinary idea into an extraordinary solution. It's about selecting a narrative arc that not only highlights your values but also invites the reader into your world, making them root for the protagonist – you.

I would suggest making sure your essay is personal to you and clearly illustrates the motivation behind what you intend to pursue in college. Admission officers are trying to figure out who you are, so it is crucial that they can see the thread connecting each aspect of your admissions file. Even if you are unsure of your major, your essay should still reflect your values and experiences.

When choosing a theme for your personal statement I usually recommend focusing on a story that genuinely reflects your core values and how they’ve shaped your path. You might share a time when you overcame a significant challenge, explaining how this experience fueled your ambition for an MBA.

I recommend reading back through drafts of your personal statement and challenging yourself in editing. Anytime you use an adjective to describe yourself or your actions, question if that is truly necessary. Could you rely on a different narrative device to communicate that same value? Does the story you're telling already indicate that you have that trait?

The magic lies not in revealing the trick, but in the awe it inspires. Similarly, when articulating your values, don't just list them as if you're checking boxes. Weave them into your narrative so subtly that the reader feels them through your experiences, not just reads them as claims. Instead of stating, "I value innovation," narrate the story of that all-nighter you pulled to brainstorm a novel solution to a seemingly insurmountable problem. Let your actions and decisions within your stories be the mirror reflecting your values, giving the admissions committee a glimpse into the depth of your character.

In my experience, it is helpful to go deep into specific core values, and provide examples which showcase your story in a beautiful way. Just mentioning values like 'Honesty' and 'Innovation' have little meaning unless it is mentioned with some context! It's important to "Show, not tell" during the interview stage specifically by adding the flavours of personal anecdotes and life stories during the typical behaviorial interview questions such as the strength and weaknesses, success and failures etc. This adds a personal touch in the experience, and helps you connect with the interviewers in a better way, as the candidate can answer the follow up questions about the particular situation, and steer the interview their way!

Supplemental essays are a perfect section in your application to flesh out your extracurriculars beyond the activities section. With each new position, make sure you always connect it back to your central theme and that it not only displays your skills, but specifically identifies what you did or do and what your influence was.

When you're gathered around a campfire, sharing stories with friends, there's an unspoken rule - authenticity reigns supreme. Approach your personal statement with the same candor. Resist the temptation to tailor your narrative to what you presume the admissions committee desires to hear. Fabrications and embellishments can trap you in a narrative that isn't yours. Share your genuine experiences, the challenges you've faced, the failures that have shaped you, and the triumphs that have uplifted you. It's in these honest reflections that your true self shines brightest, making your statement not just a piece of writing, but a window into your soul.

Above all, when writing your personal statement be honest. It can be tempting to curate a persona or the feel for an "ideal candidate" but understand this - seasoned admissions officers can read between the lines. They will know when you are not being authentic, and may even go as far as questioning the reliability of your application. You do not want to do this. Staying true to yourself helps the admissions team get a perspective of who you are beyond your academics and test scores. There is no perfect applicant, so drop all preconceived notions, and stick to what you know best. Remember, there's always a perfect fit university for you where you will not only learn but thrive in those environments!

Remember, the school you're applying to should match your goals and dreams just as you fit their idea of an 'ideal' candidate. Stay authentic in your personal statement and application to ensure the best fit. There are no fixed 'formats' of applications to the top schools, and you have to craft your application in a way which demonstrates the real you. Please refrain from using AI or 'successful past applications', even as inspiration, as it blocks your mind from thinking originally! Your story is one which only you can tell, and honesty and authenticity should be your priority if you are working within a holistic admissions cycle which doesn't just look at your grades but your overall profile!

In your personal statement, authenticity is your strongest asset. Avoid the temptation to write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Instead, focus on what truly drives you like your genuine passions, experiences and aspirations. Admissions committees appreciate sincerity. They want to see the real you, not a polished version that you think might be more appealing.

Imagine your personal statement as a piece of fine craftsmanship. Just as a craftsman meticulously refines their work, chiseling away imperfections and polishing every detail, approach your statement with the same dedication. Ensure clarity and coherence, making certain that each sentence weaves seamlessly into the fabric of your narrative. Vigilantly hunt down and rectify any grammatical errors that might mar the beauty of your prose. Invite a trusted mentor or friend to peruse your draft, someone who can provide insightful feedback and help you see your story from a new perspective. This iterative process of refinement and polishing is what elevates your personal statement from good to exceptional.

Your personal statement should be easy to understand with all the contexts clearly mentioned. You must check your statement for grammatical errors and flow issues. Sometimes self-checking inst enough. It may help to work with a consultant to make sure your draft is error-proof, and also ask your friends to go through it to make sure that it reflects your true personality. You could also consider reaching out to the Alumni of the school you're applying to, and requesting them to check the draft. Remember to take all advice with a pinch of salt - as no one knows your story better than you do!

After writing your personal statement, take the time to revise and proofread thoroughly. Look for areas where your message could be clearer or more impactful. Don’t let simple errors like typos or awkward phrasing distract from your story. t’s also beneficial to get feedback from someone who knows you well as they can provide insights you might have overlooked.

In an urge to show your personal values it is easy to get carried away and make it a rewrite of your personal journey or your resume sections. However, you must start with a checklist of values, identify 2 or 3 strongest ones. The ones which you identify the most with. Then get down to writing your stories which show your chosen values and further on choose the strongest stories to discuss. Given the limitation of space you have to decide between - skimming a few of them and diving deep into limited ones.

Beyond the core content, always consider including insights that add depth to your personal statement. For example, you might discuss how your values align with the culture or mission of the school you’re applying to. Or you could highlight a unique experience that doesn’t fit neatly into the rest of your narrative but still significantly shaped who you are.