Writing a personal statement is often one of the tasks students need to do when they apply to college. A personal statement is essential when applying to university because it is your chance to grab the attention of your reader. Many, if not all, universities are asking students to submit a personal statement writing to find out more about them, their experience, and why they want to apply to this scholarship or college.

A personal statement is your opportunity to shine and to catch the attention of the admission tutor. Because there is fierce competition on some scholarships or education programs, students feel a lot of pressure. They know this is the occasion to impress, but how do you do it?

Many of them think about crafting a killing opening, as you need to hook the reader from the very first time. But this might not be the best approach to this problem. Here we have some writing tips from experts that will make you write and not order your personal statement. So, how to start it?

State Your Reasons: One of the best things you could start your personal statement with is your reasons for wanting to study there. Or for benefiting from that scholarship. Many students think that they need to start with something very impressive and flashy, but they end up thinking about it a lot. And in the end, the result is not satisfactory. If you force yourself to come up with something incredible, you will probably end up being disappointed.

Admission tutors have seen a lot of personal statement writings and wanting to impress them is something natural. However, you should be careful to not create an inappropriate opening. Keep in mind that you are applying for a scholarship program or college. So, one of the things you could start your opening with is stating your reasons for wanting to study there. These are some of the most genuine things about your intention and creating a personal statement opening that sends your enthusiasm to the readers is something writing experts advise.

Photo, Damian Zaleski.

Start Naturally: There are many ways you can craft your personal statement opening. Personal statement writing experts are recommending a few tips and tricks you can adapt depending on the college or program you are applying for. Choose the method and apply the tips that best suit you. Starting naturally is one of the tips many experts are recommending. The thing is, students use to think about a killer opening, about something impressive and flabbergasting. You can even get the help of writing service for personal statements. But admission tutors want to see your enthusiasm and to find out more about you and why you have chosen this program.

You may lose precious time if you just stay and think about how to start. It would be better to just start writing on paper the ideas that go through your head. When you will reread it, some creative ideas might spark and you can edit the opening afterward.

Be Specific: Personal statement essays usually have a word or page limit so that admission tutors can assess your skills of keeping it short and simple. Being concise and specific is one of the tips that will help you craft your opening. You should impose a word or sentence limit for the opening so that you will have enough space in the body to share things about you and your experience. You need to use the allocated space wisely, so being specific and concise in your opening will help you build something full of effect.

Do Not Use Common Beginning Phrases: In lack of inspiration and creativity, you may find yourself starting your opening with one of the most used opening phrases. The first sentences of your personal statement writing should send your enthusiasm about the program. It could represent the answer to the question “Why have you chosen this scholarship or educational program?” And knowing this might make you begin your personal statement essay with some of the most used phrases, some that send the idea that you lack creativity or inspiration. It is therefore important to avoid using common beginning phrases such as “I apply to this program because …” or “I have always shown an interest in the field of…”. Find something more creative and that represents your personality.

Writing a compelling, and powerful personal statement opening might be a real challenge. But if you avoid using common phrases, are specific, concise, and express your reasons and enthusiasm for the program, you will surely end up with an impressive opening.

Vendy Adams is a content writer at a local magazine. She also collaborates with writing services and writes essays on various themes. Vendy is a mentor for beginner writers.