Writing a college personal statement can feel like summarizing your student's existence in 650 words or less. No pressure, right?
Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year, and it’s easy for them to blend after a while. So, how can you help your students make sure theirs stands out? It’s simple: by encouraging them to unleash their superpower.
What’s Your Kid’s Deal?
There’s a growing trend in college admissions today. Beyond grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, admissions counselors want to know, “What’s this kid’s deal?” In other words, they’re asking, “Who is this student at their core?”
Think of it this way—your student’s statement is like a movie trailer or highlight reel for them. It doesn’t cover everything in their life, but it should highlight their personality, what makes them tick, and what sets them apart. What is their unique superpower?
Help Them Articulate Their Superpower
We all have something that makes us different; your student is no exception. Maybe your son or daughter can walk into a room full of strangers and walk out with new friends, much like Superman swooping in to save the day. Or perhaps they’ve got a gift for solving problems creatively or a passion for making a difference in their community, like Wonder Woman’s deep compassion and wisdom.
If your child isn’t sure where to start, one way to help is by using tools like Myers-Briggs or CliftonStrengths, which we mentioned in a previous article on building a “College Compass,” available HERE.
By reviewing the results of these assessments, you can help your student uncover patterns and experiences that may serve as the foundation for their statement. For example, if Empathy is one of their top CliftonStrength, they could write about how their ability to connect deeply with others has driven them to lead service projects or take on leadership roles. These tools can help clarify what makes your child genuinely unique.
Addressing Their Background: If It’s Important, Say It!
In light of recent changes to the college admissions process, it’s more important than ever for students to use their statements to discuss their racial or cultural background if it’s a significant part of their story. Since colleges can no longer consider race directly in admissions, your student’s essay is where they can talk about how their background has shaped their perspective, values, and goals.
For example, if your student’s experience growing up in a specific cultural community or as a first-generation college student has influenced their journey, don’t hesitate to encourage them to include it. If their race, culture, or experience overcoming challenges is a key part of their identity, the essay is the place to bring it to life.
Tell a Focused Story, Not a Resume
It’s easy for students to fall into the trap of writing a personal statement that feels like just another list of accomplishments. But admissions officers already know what your child has done—they’ve got their application for that.
Please encourage your student to focus on telling a story that reflects their superpower and brings it to life. For example, if their superpower is resilience, they could tell how they bounced back from adversity like superheroes always rise after facing their most challenging battles. The point is to show how they think, react, and grow.
A compelling story sticks with admissions officers long after they’ve finished reading. The key is authenticity, a memorable story, and excellent writing.
Be Themselves (Not an Actor)
This is an essay about who your students are, not who they are pretending to be. One of the students’ most significant mistakes is writing what they think admissions officers want to hear. Admissions counselors can tell when a student is being authentic and when they’re not. Additionally, beginning the college journey on an inauthentic foundation sets them up for challenges later.
Help your student understand that it’s okay—effective, even—to show their quirks, passions, and even flaws. Whether they geek out over robotics or get overly excited about obscure historical facts, these traits make them human and relatable. Admissions officers are human and want to see the actual version of your student.
Additional Guidance for Parents:
Finally, find out how involved your student wants you to be in crafting this essay and how you can be most helpful. Please encourage them to be honest. After all, they are the superhero in this story, and you are their trusty sidekick, ready to support them from the sidelines—like Robin to their Batman, or perhaps more fittingly, Alfred to their Dark Knight.
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