I simply can not write an admissions essay

**Panic** · 11-19-09, 12:40 PM

So for my application to VCU I have to write a "one- to two-page essay on "Education and Life: A Personal Statement." In this essay you should discuss your educational goals, including why you wish to study your chosen major."

But for some reason whenever I start I just can't. I write like an essay a week, and most of them are 2-3 times longer than this; I just can't write about myself. I don't know if its the gloating that is intrinsic to application essays or not, but I just can't. Its really getting to me because I need to finish it this week. How do I work in my achievements, or do I?

**Potemkine** · 11-19-09, 01:49 PM

Having gone through this type of thing with applying for colleges, it can be rather difficult. The trick is to find a balance between gloating on how amazing you are and what your goals are. I find that answering a series of questions is the best place to start.

What ARE your goals as they relate to your major?
What got you interested in that field? Was it the impact of a teacher?
What are some of your accomplishments that have forwarded you on your path to your major?
I presume that there is already a space that allows you to list all you achievements but in this essay, highlight some of the big ones.
How might VCU help you obtain your goals and dreams in your major?
The trick is to not come across as cocky or arrogant, but secure. As a society, we are trained to be more self-depreciating than constantly sharing your accomplishments with random people.

If you want, I am willing to go over it and give you my thoughts, but that wont be until Saturday at the earliest. If you manage to whip something up in the next hour or two, I can probably be more useful as I am just at school and waiting for my next class to start at 545 EST. I will be switching between this, and studying for an exam, but I can spare 30 mins or so.

**deathgodusmc** · 11-19-09, 01:54 PM

Tough one i do not envy you. When i tested for CHP we had to write one on "discuss a bad thing that happened to you that turned out to be a good thing". Rough to talk about yourself. Best i can give you is follow potes adivse and good luck.

**Consultant** · 11-19-09, 02:02 PM

I think my favorite interview question I was ever asked was "Tell me a funny story."

I slayed that mother...

Potemkin is right on the money. Work through questions like that and answer them in narrative form and you should be good.

**asianator365** · 11-19-09, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by deathgodusmc

Tough one i do not envy you. When i tested for CHP we had to write one on "discuss a bad thing that happened to you that turned out to be a good thing". Rough to talk about yourself. Best i can give you is follow potes adivse and good luck.

I had an awesome one for that. I sucked at AP Chemistry and got a bad grade in the class, but managed to get a good grade on the exam because I studied really hard, recognized my weakness, and went out of my way to get the necessary help. I used it to show that even though I might not naturally pick up the information, I could work hard and still succeed at it.