Your success is not the only thing that matters in your personal statement for college. The admissions committee will also give due consideration to your failures and mistakes as part of who you really are. Admissions officers also note how you deal with disappointments to assess if you can really make it through college. After all, college life is not all about opportunities, it also has its own share of difficulties. Your failure can be an interesting detail in your life that made you learn a valuable lesson.(1) This is why including the mistakes that you made in high school in your personal statement for college can also be a good way to tell the admissions committee what you can do and endure to be successful. There is no need for you to write about every mistake you committed in high school, but you only have to choose one that you think changed you a great deal.
Stating what you did to correct the mistake
“To err is human,” and so failures can be considered as part of the experiences in life that will help you grow into a better individual. If you write your story well, the admissions panel will give credit for your willingness to admit your shortcomings and talk about yourself more openly, aside from bragging what an ideal candidate you are. Writing about your shortcomings can also work to your advantage.(2) All that’s needed for you to do is to highlight the things that you’ve done to make up for these. Just be sincere in stating certain experiences and how these events in your life changed you.(3)
Applying what you have learned from your mistake
A well-written sample personal statement can be your guide on how to make past mistakes seem like a life-changing moment for you. Remember not to dwell on the negative but to concentrate on the positive aspects of this experience. A personal statement sample can be your guide to see how authors made an exceptional piece based on this theme.
(1) http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/
(2) http://www.grinnell.edu/academic/writinglab/writers/includes/doug_cutchins.pdf
(3) http://www.wpi.edu/Academics/FS/essays.html
A turning point in my life was when my parents decided to relocate from Korea to the United States. During that time, I was living happily with my family and was content to go to the local elementary school. Even though I was still not a teenager back then, I could not help but feel resentment over the fact that I would have to start over in a foreign land where I knew no one except my sister and parents. It was difficult for me to leave my friends and accept the fact that I needed to adapt to a whole new world where the culture is so different. I was afraid of the facts that (1) I had to learn how to speak a different language that I knew nothing of and (2) that the idea of trying out and being exposed to different aspects of the American culture did not appeal to my young mind back then. I was young and knew no better than to complain about struggling with the English language and trying to belong in this place where the culture is so strange and unusual to me. Looking back at all the apprehensions I felt back then, I now knew that my fears had no real grounds.
I came from a vastly different background so it was hard for me to fit in with my classmates back in high school. Everywhere I look, I can see how different I was from my classmates and this has made me feel insecure. I had a few close friends, but I never was the kind that would hang out with the crowd and go to parties. It was hard for me to relate with my peers, and though I sometimes wish that I had more friends and went out more, I also know that if I did, I wouldn’t be as good with digital art as I am now. Because I didn’t go out often, I used my free time to draw. Eventually, I learned about various software that would enable me to create graphics. I experimented with these software and even taught myself to create web layouts and tweak CSS and HTML codes. I have even started offering my designs to my acquaintances who had websites that needed a new look.
Today, I am no longer the same boy that I was eight years ago. I now feel that my openness to all things new is what I have going for me to apply to your university. I am grateful that my parents had the strength and courage to sacrifice their own comfort and stability just to give my sister and me these chances that I now vow not to throw away.
Because of our limited financial constraints, I had to enroll first at our community college. Eventually, I learned that my experience in community college greatly influenced my perception toward school. I no longer look at going to school as a requirement or chore, but rather as a gift I have been blessed with. In college, I finally learned how to socialize more, especially with those who are not originally from the US or are second-generation immigrants. In fact, I am a member of a club that promotes Korean culture in our community college. I also work a part-time job to help fund my education and I’m glad that although this takes up a considerable amount of my time, my grades have actually improved. I’m very thankful that I have been given a job as a graphic design apprentice of a a very experienced graphic designer. This job that has rekindled my passion for the visual arts. I can say that all the experiences and learnings my mentor taught me has made me more confident and more secure about myself and my potential. Having this new outlook definitely helps me in class as I can see how theories apply to the real world. This makes me excited to study the different aspects of graphic design at ______ University.
I hope to be given the chance to learn and study in your campus. I’m looking forward to more delightful experiences and learning much from the rest of the class of 200- as I bring my enthusiasm, dedication, and bi-cultural heritage to the school.
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I grew up in the United States as the daughter of Indonesian parents, but I didn’t really feel like an American or Indonesian. I learned the English language in school but spoke Bahasa Indonesia at home so it was hard for me to express myself freely in both languages. I was fluent in speaking Bahasa Indonesia but didn’t know how to write it, and I was better at writing English, although I was apprehensive about speaking it. I felt like I didn’t belong fully with either of the two cultures because what I am exposed to at home and what I constantly experience in school are very different. I now know that I share this particular feeling with many people who have recently migrated.
Growing up, I learned to cherish my background and have been able to make my being a daughter of two diverse cultures work in my favor. I know that not everyone can fully appreciate the positives of two cultures, especially if they were raised in a country where everyone else seemed to embrace only one. I persevered in college and eventually learned to write in Bahasa Indonesia and I’m very glad that I can now speak English as if it were my native language. With these skills, I hope to help transform the Indonesian legal system as I progress through my intended legal career.
I have always taken my studies seriously. I was always afraid that, if ever I would have gotten failing grades, these would have appeared in my transcripts and would constantly remind me that I had shortcomings in a particular area of study. I majored in Business Administration during college and did well in this field. As expected because of my grades, I graduated third in my class and got a job in a pharmaceutical company fairly quickly because of my academic records and from the recommendations of my professors, who mentored me during my undergraduate years. However, I did not find my job fulfilling so I worked as a research assistant for a lawyer in Indonesia.
Unknowingly, my exposure to the legal profession sparked my passion for the law and has inspired me to do my own research and read about international legal systems, which I hope to study more intensively in law school. Before I worked as a research assistant, I did not know about Indonesia’s legal system, its economy, nor the problems the country is facing. My parents usually vacationed in Indonesia every year and, sometimes, they would take us with them.
During the times I was in Indonesia, I noticed that Indonesians are very hardworking. I feel saddened, however, that the country lacks the kind of legal system that would provide protection for businesses and workers. Without this legal structure, the country’s economy will remain the same. I intend to work hard, study, and apply my knowledge so that I, along with other people with adequate legal training, can do what needs to be done to improve Indonesia’s legal system. If ever I do get a law degree and hopefully from your university, I will do my share in bringing Indonesia at par with the world’s best in terms of the legal aspects of business.
I know that earning a legal degree from _____ University can equip me with the kind of knowledge I need to pursue my goals. Studying the legal system of the United States and comparing it to that of Indonesia can help me and other people figure out what needs to be done. I hope to contribute my passion, perseverance, and bi-cultural heritage to the university while striving hard to succeed in my academic pursuits.
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I moved to the United States from Vietnam at the very young age of 13. I found it difficult to adjust to the total change in language, environment, and culture. As an introvert, it was really difficult for me to socialize with my peers, but being in a place where I couldn’t even speak the language fluently made it even harder. However, I did not let these drawbacks get me down. I struggled and persevered to learn English and gradually made new friends.
Even as I was finding it difficult to adjust, I was more worried for my own sister who has Asperger’s syndrome. Most people don’t understand her condition and they take offense when she responds differently to various situations. I have seen many people cringe and look at her with disgust when she does something that doesn’t conform to social norms. Living with my sister has greatly influenced my decision to take up psychology as my undergraduate program. I wanted to reach out to the people who have psychological disorders and help them and their family members deal with the circumstances. I chose ______ University’s psychology program because the school offers a strong foundation in the field of science. I was also given the chance to focus on research and experience hands-on training in various local hospitals. The experience I got has taught me much and it was then that I decided to pursue a medical degree and then specialize in either neurology or neurosurgery.
In my exposure when I do volunteer work in hospitals, I have seen some young doctors disregard the importance of patients who do not appear rich or have trouble speaking English. I feel disheartened that I could not give the medical assistance these people need. I believe that each patient should be treated as an individual with special needs, especially those who need the help of doctors. Having grown up with a sister who’s often misunderstood by society, I know how much it hurts to be brushed off or treated with disgust. I can still remember the taunts I got for not being able to speak English well when we first moved here. I’m glad that I have learned from this experience and am now using this invaluable insight in my dealing with all kinds of people.
I am hardworking, eager to learn, and passionate about helping individuals. The thought processes of people and how the brain works has always fascinated and intrigued me. I intend to pursue a medical degree and a specialization in neurosciences as these will surely put me a step closer to my goal of helping those who are struggling with neurological disorders. I believe that my research and problem solving skills, as well as my empathy, perseverance, and strong work ethic can make me a successful medical student and doctor someday. I hope to pursue this goal at ________ University while intending to contribute positively to and learn from the rest of the medical student body.
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The pursuit for learning is something that I would never get tired of. I deem that the search for knowledge expansion is both a necessity and passion. Although I have packed myself with this kind of outlook, I cannot say that the road I traveled was easy.
I was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder at the age of 13. This explained my unusual depressive mood swings. Although the doctors said that mine is not a very serious case, my family still opted to take precautionary measures. Since then, sadness was not welcomed in our home. My parents and sisters brought me to town meetings and other civic activities whenever they could. I was able to get acquainted with community volunteers through these gatherings. Soon enough, I found myself spending my free hours in volunteer work. The exposures I had at community activities enabled me to gain confidence.
I managed to join in different organizations in our school while maintaining my involvement in volunteer work. I became a part of our school’s soccer team. Soccer taught me to value team work. Aside from this, my three-year stint as our school newspaper’s photographer gave me the chance to express myself. It was also an opportunity to see things through the narrow lens of a camera. It gave me a different perspective.
The experiences I had with the organizations also enabled me to learn many things. I learned to be productive. The organizations were also avenues to make more friends. And best of all, the activities I had helped me avoid unwanted mood swings.
Aside from the assistance I got from my extra-curricular cavities, I also got support from my high school teachers. They are well aware of my medical situation. And somehow, all of my teachers have managed to keep me focused in class. I was never given special preference, though. Still, the school environment made me think that my disorder is not a hindrance. It would not stop me from getting the things I want to have for myself. Much more, I learned that a bipolar disorder cannot stop me from dreaming big.
I am aware that academic institutions for higher learning offer diversity. And in my opinion, they can open new doors. Aside from the fact that they can provide learning, educational institutions can give me the opportunity to see and compare different perspectives and ideas. I know that college life is very different from high school. It could bring me difficulties. But I think life, generally, is just like that. Coping with ordeals is an evitable part of the human maze. Ironically, it also makes living magical. College, for me, is synonymous to challenge. And I believe that I very much prepared for it.
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