Help with Personal Statement

[trishangt]

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Hi everyone,
I've been online filling out OTCAS and begin writing personal statement letter. I have no problem writing other papers but its just so hard to write a personal letter for some reason. I don't want to sound so over the top that it seems so fake but I want to get my personality in there. I've been struggling how to start. Does anyone have a copy that I can look at to see how the layout or structure is?
If you do, that would be great. Please help me out!

Thanks in advance,
Trisha

 

[ukegal]

There is no outline for a personal statement, and using someone else's to structure your own off of is likely a bad idea (especially if you're trying to showcase your personality). Plus, when it comes down to it, we're all in competition -- who is going to let you see what they've got? I would suggest to make your own outline of points that you want to hit. Good luck!

 

[trishangt]

That is true, thank you.
Sadly, I let people read my personal statement and each person has a totally different judgement which confuses me even more.
Some say I don't have enough and some say I gave too much unnecessary information.

Although we are all in competition with each other but there might be someone out there that went through the same process and succeeded that could help me.

thanks

 

[jlr5585]

You shouldn't let too many people read your personal essay for school because everyone has their own opinion...if you are comfortable and feel what you have written is strong, it will come across that way to those reading it. It's more of the message behind the essay that counts. I know the OTCAS essay you are referring to (as I've written it) and basically you just need to describe 1. Why you've chosen OT and 2. What your professional goals are and how your background can support those goals...It may be beneficial to make a list/outline of some sort prior to writing. That ALWAYS helps me. Even just do a free write without worrying about grammar. Get all your thoughts out on paper and make it sound nice afterwards 🙂

 

[gialuan]

Although I haven't filled out the OTCAS, for my personal statement, I basically explained why OT is such a rewarding field and used my observations to back it up. You want to show the schools that you have a passion for the field and that you have the right personality for it. They want to see that you know what OT entails and whether or not you see yourself doing it for the long run.

 

[jbizzle]

Hey, PM it to me I'll read it. Im not in a competition with you since im heading to PT school in the fall.

Even just do a free write without worrying about grammar. Get all your thoughts out on paper and make it sound nice afterwards 🙂

This sounds like a good idea!!!

Sorry, if you guys feel im trolling tell me and i'll go away.