So you've started your college application process and you're hitting a wall. You have your high school diplomas and letters of recommendation in order. Your SAT results are on the way. But your personal college statement isn't ready yet and the deadline is fast approaching!
But no fear!
Because Wordvice handles thousands of essays each admissions season, we've seen some of the best (and worst) essays for college applications. In this guide, you'll learn how to write the best possible personal college statement for your college application. Examples of successful personal statements and college analysis are included.
What we learn here about how to write a personal statement for college:
- What is a university certificate?
- How important is the certificate for university admission?
- Why do universities require a personal declaration?
- Read examples of personal success statements
- Example and analysis of successful personal statements
- Essay editing services can enhance your personal testimony
Personal statements and other college admissions essays
Even knowing what the specific terms mean in college admissions documents can be a little confusing. For the avoidance of doubt, here is a quick rundown of some of the key college application terms that are commonly used:
- Personal statement for the college -an essay you write to show a college admissions committee who you are and why you deserve admission to your school. It is noteworthy that this term is also used for college application essays, in contrast to "university essay".
- College Admissions Essay—This is essentially the same as a personal statement from the college. (I will use the terms interchangeably.) It may also contain supplemental essays or widely used essays, such as:Joint application test.
- writing suggestion—a question or statement you want your college essay to answer.
- supplementary test—an additional school or program specific essay beyond the basic personal statement. Some schools require supporting documents and a personal statement. Check your college's application guidelines to determine what specific admissions essays are required for submission.
What is the Personal Statement for College?
Personal college transcript is a fundamental part of college application and a key factor in admissions committees. And thelikeOpportunity for high school students applying to college to sell themselves on their own terms and in their own words.
Personal statements for college differ from SAT scores and academic transcripts, which are more standardized. Although letters of recommendation address many of the same issues as personal statements, they are not written by you, but by a referrer.
A focused and effective college personal statement serves three main functions:
1.Personal statements provide broad and comprehensive information about your personal and academic career.
Ultimately, your academic, personal, and even professional background can make all the difference for admission to any university program. But there is a big oneDifference between certificate and CVor continue.
2. Give the academic advisors a clear overview of your academic goals.
A good college transcript should explain how your education relates to your university's program and goals. It should contextualize the tools, resources, and background you bring to the table and how they fit with your school's profile. In the business world this is called "Vertical Alignment.“
In other words, the way you write about your education should set you apart from other college applicants and connect you to what you want to achieve. Your track record enables you to succeed!
In admissions essays, small steps can lead to big results.
3. Personal statements answer very specific questions.
Often your college application will require you to apply to a specific program and ask you very specific questions. For example, if you're applying to your university's business school, you'll need to answer different writing questions than applying to a performing arts program.
So, make sure you research not only the profile of the university you are targeting, but also the specific course at the college and the professors in that department.
We illustrate exactly this idea in the following two examples of successful personal statements!
How Important is the Personal College Statement for Admissions Officers?
COVID-19 has made the SAT/ACT less important
Common App has announced that it will include a specific COVID-19 essay prompt for the 2020-2021 approval cycle. As a result, students have trouble figuring it outhow to write about COVID-19 in your college admissions essays.
There is even more evidence that the personal college essay is becoming the most important part of the application process. AsCoverage by CBS News:
A growing number of US colleges and universities are dropping ACT and SAT scores as part of their admissions process. The so-called blind testing movement has gained momentum this year amid widespread cancellations of standardized tests due to COVID-19.
In addition, a court recently ruled that theThe University of California public school system can no longer include SAT/ACT scores in the admissions process. The days of standardized testing may be numbered.
This means that the application essay just got a lot more important.
How to write a personal statement for college to impress the admissions officers
Why do college admissions committees rely so heavily on college application essays? The answer is that a personal college statement sets you apart from your high school peers by explaining three ideas:
Show your personality with your personal statement
College admissions boards rely on your transcripts and GPA as a measure of your academic ability. Letters of recommendation focus more on the howOthersyou see and how you interact.
On the other hand, your college personal statement application essay gives the admissions officers a sense of your personality. It shows how you will fit into and contribute to the university community.
Are you highly concentrated and ambitious with a lot of professional experience and projects behind you? Or are you more curious and interested in a wide range of things? Do your motivations relate to the achievement of specific goals or are they more personal or emotional in nature? The lens through which you interact with the world is exactly what your personal statement should convey.
On paper, your SAT score, GPA, and extracurricular activities may be the same as other applicants. They could end up in the same college classes. College advisors know that no two candidates are the same. It is crucial that both match what the university wants for its students.
Describe any extenuating circumstances
Are your grades slightly below average? Did you fail a class in high school? These things stand out when it comes to numbers on paper. Universities want to know the context of abnormal records and, more importantly, how you view them.
As the world becomes more global and more aware of social differences, the definition of "traditional success" becomes increasingly irrelevant. It wasStandard for US universities to have diversity and inclusion action plansfrom disadvantaged students.
Most importantly, colleges want to understand how you foughteovercome a difficult situation. These are exactly the students they want!
Please explain why you are applying to this school
Aside from selling your personality and explaining any disadvantages or gaps in your background, a great college personal statement should shed some light on why you are applying to college. This may seem obvious, but unfortunately many students get bogged down trying to prove they are candidates for a job. You totally forget to explainWeilthey apply to college.
How to write about reasons to apply to college:
- Define which parts of the university appeal to you. Explain how they align with your personal goals and personality.
- Select some characteristics that are unique to the school. These can be teachers, degree programs or institutions.
Examples of successful college personality statements
Now that we know the importance of a personal college statement and what it accomplishes, what's the first step?
Success mimics success
At Wordvice, we encourage college applicants to look at examples of successful personal statements to really understand and comprehend what an engaging personal essay for college is all about. Read as much as possible because no two students are alike. But you will find that many of the themes discussed above are repeated over and over again in personal statements from successful colleges.
Examples of personal statements and sample college essays
To start, Wordvice includes some examples of successful personal statement writing, including comments and feedback from our editors to students. Both essays were edited by Wordviceprofessional editors, whereby both students are admitted!
Personal Statement Essay #1: The Holistic Profile Essay
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am writing to express my interest in studying at the University of ________ as a Supply Chain Management student. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my letter.
I am currently doing a BA in Public Finance and Supply Chain Management at ________ University. I chose your supply chain management program because I am sure that it will greatly enrich my further studies and help me in my future career. In addition, I consider this program a great opportunity to learn about ________ culture and its well-developed logistical background. I am also very curious to see what different approaches are being followed in this area at a top university.
I chose University ________ because it examines all types of supply chain management perspectives, from manufacturing to service. During my earlier studies, I realized that just working in purchasing is far from enough. My colleagues and I had the opportunity to create an e-commerce project. At that time we only had the acquisition decision in our hands, but I quickly realized that I have the ability and motivation to learn more about solutions and innovations.
Another reason why I am applying to ________ for this program is the strong relationships with relevant companies in my desired field. I found out on the university's website that there is a special resource to help put students in touch with these companies. Since I'm interested in working in the Netherlands after I graduate, this resource will definitely be useful in my career. I also find the fact that this program offers the opportunity to take part in an internship very attractive. Not only was this able to broaden my horizons through hands-on experience, but it also gave me the opportunity to expand my connections in the industry.
My current undergraduate degree makes me very suitable for this program. I learned the basics of supply chain management through courses such as operations management, strategic purchasing and inventory management. I also studied mathematics and statistics to understand data problems.
In addition to my academic interests, I lead a full and interesting life off campus. I was part of the school's volleyball team, which won several championships; this led to my graduating as an honors student. Those moments on the pitch have strengthened my team spirit and my resilience. In the summer holidays I spend time traveling around Europe and the United States. My first experience in Amsterdam was unforgettable and made me want to come back in the future. Planning the trip carefully and living alone in an unfamiliar area has made me a more independent young woman.
Professionally, I have completed internships at international companies such as Red Bull and ASUS. These experiences gave me the opportunity to work in a global context with people from different countries, which encouraged me to have a more flexible and adaptable mindset. Because of these wonderful experiences, I am sure that I will master any future challenges and make the best of them.
(Video) 5 College Admissions Essay Mistakes to AvoidIn conclusion, I am very excited to study Supply Chain Management at ________ University as it would give me a chance to expand my skills and knowledge at one of the best universities in this field. I am confident that I can excel in this program based on my solid business education and personality.
Thank you again for reading my personal statement. I look forward to hearing from you.
Why was this personal statement to the college successful?
The essay is well structured and answers important questions directly.
The candidate clearly presents their educational and professional background as well as their skills. In two solid paragraphs, she also explains why she chose her major and then explains why it qualifies and is a perfect match.
This essay displays excellent organization and a natural flow of ideas indicative of a native English speaker who can write exceptionally well.
The letter is personal and does not look like a resume or CV
This college candidate came with a very strong academic and professional background. A solid understanding of supply chain management (not the most exciting course) with internships to support it. But do you notice that she's not just focused on that? She is able to combine things like her academic background in mathematics with personal motivation. She even includes her extracurricular activities to show that she's more than just a numbers person.
First, she shows that she is a complete person.Person, not just a student studying for grades. Second, it conveys your strong personal identity that you have chosen this course at this particular university in this particular country. Make sure your college essay communicates this!
The essay is aimed specifically at schools
Every major university has a business school, and every business school has a supply chain management program. How do college admissions advisors reading her personal statement know that she is motivated to apply there?
This candidate clearly explains how she intends to participate in personbeprivate university in the Netherlands. She lists her personal travel experiences and mentions a concrete mentoring program.
Personal Statement Essay #2: The Enthusiastic Entrepreneur Essay
I'm passionate about computers because technology will continue to play a fundamental role in our lives. Because of this fact, I searched for colleges that had a strong computer science program and a collaborative program, and that's when I came across Hofstra. I visited the campus for a tour and was really impressed with what I saw. Not only are the on-campus facilities excellent, but the advanced computer science labs are world-class. This demonstrates Hofstra's focus on providing students with the best intellectual and technical resources. I asked my guide about class size and curriculum style. I was thrilled when he told me that the average class size is 20 and that the curriculum emphasizes experiential learning.
I seek more than academic excellence; Extracurricular activities, including community service opportunities, are also very important to me. When I researched schools that would provide the most complete lifestyle for students, I was surprised at how many philanthropic events the school organizes and supports. Philanthropy seems to be ingrained in school culture. I've also seen hundreds of clubs that can cater to everyone's individual interests. Students are also welcome to charter new clubs when no existing clubs can advance their interests.
I immediately noticed the energy on campus. Both students and staff are very proud of Hofstra, and the enthusiasm of the school spirit among the students is truly unforgettable. Leaving home for college is a big change for everyone and I think pride in school and a strong sense of community will help me make a smooth transition. I was pleased to learn that students receive two tickets to events on campus. This is especially nice as I am a sports fan and would love to experience the electric atmosphere of a major league basketball game and cheer for the Lions!
The Hofstra's location is also ideal as it has the advantages of being in a smaller city but also very close to New York City. I don't want to study in a big city, but being so close to New York opens up a lot of opportunities. On the one hand, there are countless internships in the most important companies in the city. Also, it would be great to visit the city from time to time and see a concert or sports game. Being able to do this with friends would give me great experiences and memories.
Hofstra is my top choice because it meets my most important criteria: valued faculty members, a strong computer science program, a strong sense of belonging, incredible internship and community service opportunities, andADiverse campus. I can't wait to be a Hofstra lion!
Why was this personal statement to the college successful?
This personal statement is short and below the word count.
This essay is 461 words, which is well below the 500-word limit of many college admissions essays. While the content is paramount, your personal statement must follow all of the rules set out in the essay summary. This includes mundane but essential provisions such as the number of words.
It is multifaceted and hits the most important sales arguments
The student talks about Hofstra's location, academics, sports, extracurricular activities, and even philanthropy. The student doesn't just list them like a marketing brochure would; Each point of sale is personally and emotionally connected to the student. Excitement is something every student tries to portray in their admissions essay, so make sure you mimic something like this.
Improve personal statements with college essay editing services
It's an understatement that college is one of the most important factors in your social and professional future. Unfortunately, college personal statements and admissions essays are sometimes a bit disorganized and unfocused, as are the students who write them. this and whereEditing of essayslike Wordvice. They are beneficial for several reasons.
Why Use an Admissions Essay Editing Service?
1. They help you fix errors you missed
College admissions committees are required to reject a certain number of applicants each year. You can rest assured that your application essay with grammatical or spelling mistakes will go straight to the rejection pile.
It definitely takes a bit of confidence and experience to know when it's best to have someone else help you. No one has a monopoly on knowledge or perspective, no matter the strength of their background. Ever played the What's the difference between these two pictures game?
Our brains are programmed to ignore our own prejudices. This is a big problem when it comes to writing a personal statement that involves convincing someone.Others.
2. You save the students time
The university advisory service states that the average number of applications is around 5.9 per applicant. Of course, students will try to maximize their chances of getting a good college. The downside is a lack of time, which nobody can buy anymore.
English editing serviceslike Wordvice help free up time to do what you need to do: apply to college.
3. Editors help you improve your communication skills
Whether you're an ESL student or a native English speaker, everyone can improve their writing. In the case of a college application essay, it could mean the difference between getting into your dream college and going to your second choice school. In addition to fixing grammatical and fundamental errors, editing services go the extra mile to adjust the flow and readability of your writing to suit your purpose – academic or regulatory.
If you're writing a personal statement or college essay, you'll want editors with college and university admissions experience to review and edit your essay.
Additional tips for the college personal statement
We hope you learned a lot from these examples of successful college personal statements. So what next?
I would like to learn more about the university admissions process
Interested in further expert tips on the university admissions process, personal statements or letters of recommendation? Check theWordvice Admissions Resourcesthe blog.
I am interested in professional editing for my personal statement
We've got you covered too! want you to chooseEdit personal declaration,Edit recommendation letter,continue editing, or one of our othersEditing of essays, find the help you need to improve your writing at university.
I would now like to improve my personal university certificate
Find out about our opening times and terms of service on ourEdit frequently asked questionsbook page. Or you can jump right in and use oursEdition Price Calculatorto start the ordering process.
FAQs
How do you write a strong personal statement for college? ›
Just write honestly, simply, and clearly about yourself and your aspirations. Understand your motivations for applying and include them. Attending grad school is a huge commitment of not only money but several years of your life. You should know why you want to attend a certain school.
What is an example for a personal statement for college? ›- Tell me about yourself. ...
- Why are you interested in our college? ...
- What can I tell you about our college? ...
- Who in your life has most influenced you? ...
- Why do you want to study? ...
- What do you do for fun in your free time? ...
- Do your predicted grades accurately reflect your effort and ability? ...
- Be Late.
- Central aspect of your identity (activity, interest, talent, background)
- Overcoming a failure.
- Time you rose to a challenge or showed leadership.
- Experience that changed your beliefs.
- Problem you'd like to solve.
- Subject or idea that captivates you.
The personal statement should be tailored specifically for each application, typically with a length between 400-1000 words. It should include relevant personal experiences and research that will help explain why the candidate believes they would be suitable for the program or position.
Is 700 words too long for a personal statement? ›Give yourself plenty of time to write a personal statement
Personal statements required for graduate school admissions are short. Their length should bearound 700 words, meaning 1-2 pages. However, you should be careful to write it well and edit it thoroughly for grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you're interested in studying the area you're applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. Don't waffle or say you want to study something just because it's interesting. Explain what you find interesting about it. '
What are the best starts to a personal statement? ›Start with why you chose it, then try and summarise this in one or two sentences. Be original and refer to personal experiences as a way to draw attention. Avoid overused opening sentences, quotes and clichés like 'when I was young…' They want to know about you now, not your childhood or Shakespeare!
How do I make my personal statement stand out? ›Describe your passion
So, tell them why you find it so fascinating. Talk about your motivation for and commitment to the subject by using evidence from your past experiences – work, academic or volunteering. Discuss any research or reading you've done into the subject, too, and why you've found it interesting.
A personal statement should include an introduction, your relevant skills/experiences, and your goals. You want to keep your personal statement relevant for the program or job in question. Make sure to show your passion and indicate what you'd like to do with the degree or opportunity.
How do you describe yourself in a personal statement? ›Start with why you're the perfect fit for a place on your course. Mention the most important aspects of your relevant skills and experience early. Prove the points you've introduced – it's here you'd talk about your current and previous studies, your skills, and your work experience.
How do you structure a personal statement? ›
- Reasons for choosing this subject(s)
- Current studies and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
- Experiences and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
- Interests and responsibilities and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
- Your future after university.
An effective college essay introduction should “wow” admissions officers. It should be creative, intriguing, and unique. Make sure you start with a strong “hook” or “grabber.” It's a good idea to follow this first sentence with a vivid anecdote, which you will then connect to the overall topic of your essay.
How do you start off a college essay? ›The key to a strong college essay introduction is not to give too much away. Try to start with a surprising statement or image that raises questions and compels the reader to find out more.
How do you write a hook for a college personal statement? ›Start with Quotations. You can use two types of quotes here: literary citations and inspirational quotes from famous people or influencers in the field. A literary quote would be a perfect hook for your application essay, while quoting influencers helps to support an argument you represent in your paper.
What's a personal statement example? ›A great personal statement is a sales pitch that highlights the attributes that qualify you as a worthy candidate. Concentrate on your knowledge of the field, your experiences and your projections for the future. Example: “My undergraduate studies prepared me well for my profession.
Do you put your name in a personal statement? ›THE HEADING FOR YOUR STATEMENT
In the absence of any guidelines provided by the graduate school, your heading should include the name of the document you are submitting (e.g., “Personal Statement”), the school and department for whom you are writing it (e.g., “Ohio University College of Education”), and your name.
Allow for ample enough margins that the reader isn't distracted by cramped-looking text. Margins of at least one inch are standard. Single space your text, skipping a line between paragraphs. You can indent paragraph beginnings or not, as long as you're consistent.
Can I write 700 words in 4 hours? ›Writing 700 words will take about 17.5 minutes for the average writer typing on a keyboard and 35 minutes for handwriting. However, if the content needs to include in-depth research, links, citations, or graphics such as for a blog article or high school essay, the length can grow to 2.3 hours.
What font should I use for my personal statement? ›A general rule of thumb you might follow is to submit a 2-3 page statement, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, in 12-pt. Times New Roman font. While there are no set rules about length or format, this is typically considered appropriate and sufficient.
Is it bad to go over word count on college essays? ›Most college application portals specify a word count range for your essay, and you should stay within 10% of the upper limit to write a developed and thoughtful essay. You should aim to stay under the specified word count limit to show you can follow directions and write concisely.
What are the 7 sentence openers? ›
Again, look at this list of common subordinating words. Used at the beginning of a sentence, these words signal to you that a sentence opener follows: After, Although, As, Because, Before, If, Since, Unless, Until, When, While.
What is a strong opening sentence for an essay? ›Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader's curiosity. The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you're writing about and why it's interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.
What makes this a strong introduction for a personal statement? ›The introduction is the first thing the admissions committee will read. That's why the first sentence of a personal statement should be a catchy, attention-grabbing hook or story that grabs the reader's attention and sets up the main point of your essay.
What are the 5 steps to writing a personal statement? ›- Write a personal introduction. Write an introduction that reflects you and your personality. ...
- Expand on relevant skills, interests and experiences. ...
- Write a strong conclusion. ...
- Proofread and edit.
A good ending can link back to what you claim at the beginning or be a short summary as to what you're looking forward to at university, new challenges etc… or even your commitment as to why you would be an ideal candidate (without bragging).
What is the best conclusion of a personal statement? ›In the conclusion of a personal statement, you should briefly recap the key points you made in the essay and connect them back to your overall message. You may also want to include a sentence or two about your future goals and how your experiences and qualifications have prepared you for them.
What not to put in a personal statement? ›- Telling a story. ...
- Repeating information already contained in your application. ...
- Spending too long discussing personal issues. ...
- Making simple grammatical errors. ...
- Failing to demonstrate capability of university-level study. ...
- Using clichés.
Don't make unsupported claims. 'I am the best student you will see all year' doesn't go down too well, even if you think you can prove it! Don't copy someone else's UCAS Personal Statement or use something you have found on the internet. UCAS use software to check every personal statement for plagiarism.
What is a strong personal statement? ›Your personal statement should help the reader get to know you and make them want to learn more. Write about your unique achievements, interests, experiences, qualities, or opinions. Avoid irrelevant or inappropriate topics—they won't make you memorable for the right reasons.
What skills should be included in a personal statement? ›Your personal statement should include a brief overview of who you are, your strengths and any work experience and/or education you've got. Be sure to include skills you've gained, such as time management, customer service, teamwork, computer skills etc.
Can you start a sentence with I in personal statement? ›
Using third person can result in a vague and overly wordy essay. While starting every sentence with "I" is not advisable, remember that you and your experiences are the subject of the essay.
Should I talk about myself in my personal statement? ›Don't be afraid to talk about yourself
"Those things that make you different are what they need to know. They make you who you are, so tell us about them." This is your personal statement, it's not an essay on why you think physics/English/geography is great.
“If I have to choose 5 words to describe myself they would be fast-learner, hardworking, reliable, attentive, and adaptive. I understand that being a fresher I have a lot to learn and the work environment is far more cutthroat than academics.
How do you describe yourself in one sentence examples? ›Sample answers:
I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn't afraid to face a challenge. I'm passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn't believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.
- Create two lists. ...
- Thoroughly research your subject choice. ...
- Promote the knowledge you already have and why you would fit in. ...
- Show how capable you are. ...
- Be original. ...
- Don't use unsupported clichés. ...
- Ask for feedback.
- MAP has another meaning for you when writing your statements of purpose and goals essays. ...
- Motivation. ...
- Aspiration. ...
- Perspiration. ...
- Since working in a financial planning office during her college summer vacations, Julie has dreamed of getting her MBA.
Hello, everyone! My name is _____________ and I'm from ____________. I'm currently studying ____________ at _____________, and I hope to become ___________ one day. I'm really passionate about ___________, and I'm always looking for new ways to learn and improve my skills.
What is a good introduction for a college essay? ›Introduction. Your intro tells your reader what to expect from your essay. Think of it as a brief roadmap that begins with an intriguing opening line, includes a quick summary of the topic and ideas you'll present, and concludes with a thesis statement. It's important to draw your reader in from the very first sentence ...
What words to start an essay? ›- Words to use in your introduction. ...
- Firstly, secondly, thirdly. ...
- In view of; in light of; considering. ...
- According to X; X stated that; referring to the views of X. ...
- Adding information and flow.
- The Topic Sentence. ... serves two functions: first, it functions as the thesis of your paragraph; second, it pushes the thesis of your essay forward and presents an arguable point. ...
- Supporting Evidence/Analysis. ... ...
- The Concluding Observation. ...
Is starting a college essay with a quote? ›
In most cases, quoting other people isn't a good way to start your college essay. Admissions officers want to hear your thoughts about yourself, and quotes often don't achieve that. Unless a quote truly adds something important to your essay that it otherwise wouldn't have, you probably shouldn't include it.
What are the 5 types of hooks? ›- 1 Statistic hook.
- 2 Quotation hook.
- 3 Anecdotal hook.
- 4 Question hook.
- 5 Statement hook.
Writing 500 words will take about 12.5 minutes for the average writer typing on a keyboard and 25 minutes for handwriting. However, if the content needs to include in-depth research, links, citations, or graphics such as for a blog article or high school essay, the length can grow to 1.7 hours.
Is 500 words enough for personal statement? ›All three main college application services recommend (or limit) personal statements to 650 words.
How do you start a personal statement for a college essay? ›How do you begin a personal statement? A personal statement should begin with a strong argument or an attention-grabbing sentence. Your main aim is to interest the admission committee right from the essay's first paragraph. So, work on the introductory paragraph carefully to make a good first impression.
How do you start off a personal statement? ›Start with why you chose it, then try and summarise this in one or two sentences. Be original and refer to personal experiences as a way to draw attention. Avoid overused opening sentences, quotes and clichés like 'when I was young…' They want to know about you now, not your childhood or Shakespeare!
Can I write 500 words in 2 hours? ›The average person can type around 40 words per minute. Meaning, that if they were freewriting (letting their fingers move as quickly as their brain allowed), a 500-word piece could be completed in about 12.5 minutes.
Can I write 500 words in a day? ›Why 500 words? It's short enough that you can usually find time to do it daily and long enough that if you stick to a schedule, you'll have something substantial in no time. It takes me anywhere from 30–60 minutes to write 500 words. And if I keep up with that pace, I've got a manuscript in about 90 days.
What does a 500 word statement look like? ›The format of a 500-word scholarship essay is similar to a shorter essay. Each paragraph is about 75-125 words, and it consists of 3-5 well-written sentences. If you are writing a story or personal anecdote, the formatting can be more like a novel than a news article.
What is the best opening sentence for a college essay? ›The very first sentence of your essay should be the “hook” or “grabber.” This sentence “hooks” readers or “grabs” their attention, making them want to read more. This first sentence should provide rich details, engage a reader's curiosity, or otherwise stand out from the rest.