because of limited space, you really want to be introducing new material up until the end. However, because this is a piece of writing first and foremost, you do need to sum it up. don't give it a concluding paragraph, but wrap things up in a few sentences. if you CAN tie it back into a story or an opening point, do so. But first, a word about stories.... don't OVER WRITE. Maybe its because i'm a writer who works in a , well, writing center, I've found that when people have an important piece of writing to do that involves a story they over-indulge in it. Tell your story as you would if you were talking to a friend. that includes the opening. The most honest way to portray what all of us feel (helping people, etc.) is to do it in your own voice, thus avoiding cliche at ALL COSTS. So use description honestly, not heavy handed. That way, when you refer to your opening story at the end of your piece, that works to remind the reader of the story, not the over the top writing (as i've seen in many PS's). See, this does have to do with the end of the PS. give yourself something good to work with.
I used humor, but i write a lot of humor. if you write more dramatically, use that. For an example, I opened my personal statement with a description of how I was a SEVERE hypochondriac as a kid. I really was. I spent hours reading about medical conditions, even making photocopies of articles to show my mom to "prove" i had (x) disease. So i opened my statement by talking about it because it TRULY was what got me interested in medicine. And looking back on it, i was crazy neurotic and its funny now. Also, I opened with a statement about myself, not a vague story opening (not creative writing, remember, i want them to hear my voice speaking right away) So i wrote a short paragraph about it, when on with my piece and then in the last paragraph, continued to introduce new information about myself (my volunteer experience at the kids hospital, fyi) at the end of the piece i said what everbody says , because its true. "I am meant to be a doctor." but then I tied it in by saying "Unlike my childhood bout with hypochondria, this belief isn't just in my head, it is also in my heart." And that was all i had for a tie in. (Copyright!!) 🙂
It was enough to keep things cohesive though. And i think it worked so well because i used a story that really showed my personality, only took a few sentences, was different then your run of the mill "smell of the hospital, my feelings of compassion, my heart beating fast as john doe was wheeled into the room." story. (those stories may be good, but only if you avoid those cliches) and then in the end i gave it a quick tie-in, but nothing too extreme. the more you tell them about yourself, the better. ultimately, this isn't a creative writing piece, please remember that. its the best advice i can give. its a conversation, really. its your interview if you could just walk into a room and talk about your most shining qualities without being interrogated. keep that in mind as you end it, and no matter what style ending your choose you'll be fine.
end in your voice 🙂 you can NOT go wrong. PM me your statment if you're in the mood 🙂
