Common App Personal Statement Brainstorming Worksheet

Instructions

The Common Application personal statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to college admissions officers and showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations. Use this worksheet to brainstorm ideas and organize your thoughts before starting to write your essay.

1. Self-Reflection:

• What are your strengths, values, and passions?

• What experiences have shaped who you are today?

• What are your long-term goals and aspirations?

2. Significant Life Experiences:

• List any significant events or experiences in your life (positive or negative) that have profoundly impacted you.

• Reflect on how these experiences have influenced your personal growth, values, and perspective on life.

3. Achievements and Challenges:

• What are some of your proudest academic, extracurricular, or personal achievements?

• Describe a challenge or obstacle you have faced. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?

4. Identity and Background:

• Reflect on aspects of your identity, such as your cultural background, upbringing, or personal beliefs.

• How have these factors contributed to shaping your identity and influencing your worldview?

5. Passions and Interests:

• What are you passionate about outside of academics?

• How do your interests, hobbies, or extracurricular activities reflect who you are as a person?

6. Values and Beliefs:

• Identify your core values and beliefs. What matters most to you in life?

• Share a story or experience that illustrates one of your values and how it guides your actions.

7. Future Goals and Aspirations:

• Where do you see yourself in the future, both academically and personally?

• How does your chosen field of study or career path align with your interests and goals?

8. Unique Perspectives:

• What sets you apart from other applicants? What makes you unique?

• Consider how your background, experiences, or viewpoints bring diversity to your college community.

9. Reflective Questions:

• Why do you want to attend college, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?

• How do you envision contributing to the college community and making a positive impact?

• Describe a moment that challenged you the most. How did you overcome it?

• What is your proudest achievement, and what did you learn from it?

• Why have you chosen your intended major, and how does it align with your goals and values?

• How do you handle stress, and what have you learned about yourself in times of pressure?

10. Creativity Exercises:

• Word Association: Write down keywords or phrases related to your personal experiences, values, and aspirations.

• Free Writing: Set a timer for 10 minutes and write non-stop about a significant experience or a topic that resonates with you.

• Mind-Mapping: Create a visual representation of your ideas, connecting different aspects of your life and experiences.

11. Final Reflection:

• Review your responses and identify recurring themes or ideas.

• Choose the most compelling topic or story to focus on for your personal statement.

Understanding the Prompt

The Common App essay prompt asks you to "share your story," and it gives you the freedom to choose a meaningful topic. Some successful topics have included personal growth, overcoming challenges, and the impact of meaningful experiences.

Examples of Successful Essays:

1. Topic: Overcoming Adversity

• An applicant shared a story about challenging a long-held belief about failure and success after experiencing a setback in an extracurricular activity. They reflected on how this experience reshaped their mindset, teaching them resilience, perseverance, and the importance of self-compassion. The essay effectively highlighted the applicant's resilience and personal development.

2. Topic: Passion for Science

• The essay showcased the student's curiosity, intellectual vitality, and how their experiences shaped their interest in science.

3. Topic: Cultural Identity

• An applicant wrote about their journey questioning their cultural identity and societal expectations. They discussed how encounters with diverse perspectives in their community challenged their preconceived notions, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their heritage. The essay showcased the applicant's introspection, growth, and ability to navigate complex issues.

Additional Tips:

• Aim for 500-650 words, ensuring that each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative.

• Start with a compelling introduction, develop the main body with personal anecdotes, and conclude with reflection and future implications.

• Be authentic and genuine in your writing.

• Show, don't just tell—use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.

• Revise and edit your essay multiple times to ensure clarity, coherence, and conciseness.

• Give yourself time between drafts to gain a fresh perspective.

• Read your essay aloud to identify awkward phrasing or areas that need improvement.

• Seek feedback from peers, teachers, or mentors to gain varied perspectives and constructive criticism.

Remember, your personal statement is your chance to showcase your unique personality, experiences, and aspirations to college admissions officers. Take your time to brainstorm and craft a compelling narrative that effectively highlights who you are as an individual. Good luck!