How to Approach the Personal Statement: A Straightforward Guide

By Lindsey • June 27, 2025 • BS/MD Admissions Consulting College Application College Essays White Coat Club Podcast

For many students, the personal statement is one of the most daunting parts of the college application process. At 650 words, it’s short—but it carries a lot of weight. This one essay will be sent to nearly every school on your list via the Common App or Coalition App, and it’s often the first real opportunity for admissions officers to get a sense of who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

That said, it’s crucial to understand that many schools will also ask for supplemental essays. These are additional prompts that may touch on your interest in a particular major, community values, or your fit for a specific program. To avoid redundancy or running out of ideas, map out all the essays you’ll need to write before diving into the personal statement. Planning ahead helps you avoid repeating the same story across multiple prompts.

Our Moon Prep counselors Lindsey and Amanda break down the personal statement in the latest episode of the White Coat Club. Check out the full episode here. 

Choosing the Right Prompt: Does It Matter?

Short answer: Not really.

Longer answer: Write the story you want to tell first, then decide which Common App prompt it fits under. Treat the prompts like a set of flexible guidelines rather than strict categories. Most prompts are broad enough to accommodate almost any essay, so focus on your story and your voice. Let the form follow the function.

Brainstorming Your Topic

If you’re staring at a blank page, here are three simple, effective ways to start brainstorming:

  • 10 things you wish a college knew about you

  • 10 quirks, skills, or random things you consider yourself an expert in

  • 10 objects that are meaningful to you—and why

Don’t worry if none of these feel like “the perfect topic.” The point of brainstorming is to get ideas flowing, not to strike gold on the first try. Often, you’ll find your best material buried in the second or third idea—not the first.

Topics to Be Cautious With

There are no absolute “off-limit” topics, but some themes are trickier than others. Here are a few that require careful handling or may be best avoided:

  • Mental health – If you write about this, focus on growth and resilience, not just the struggle.

  • The death of a family member – This can often become more about the person who passed than about you.

  • Sports – Unless you’re offering a fresh perspective, these essays can feel clichéd.

  • Stories about someone else – Remember: this essay is about you, not your grandfather or coach.

  • Feeling othered – Important, yes, but make sure you center your own perspective and reflection.

Writing Your First Draft

A few key things to remember when you’re writing:

  • Ignore the word count (at first). Don’t obsess over hitting exactly 650 words on the first try. If your draft is 400 words, great—you can expand it. If it’s 1,000, you’ll trim.

  • Be specific. If you’re under the word count, look for places where you can add depth or detail—sensory descriptions, reflections, or examples.

  • Don’t censor yourself. Your first draft will be messy. That’s okay. Get the ideas down first; you can revise later.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

  • Chasing someone else’s success story: Just because a friend got into Harvard with a certain kind of essay doesn’t mean you should try to replicate it.

  • Over-editing: It’s tempting to ask everyone for feedback, but too many voices can dilute your message. Choose 1–2 trusted readers. Listen, but trust your instincts.

  • Overusing ChatGPT: Tools like ChatGPT can help you brainstorm or revise—but your essay should still sound like you. Admissions officers can tell when it doesn’t.

  • Over-focusing on one interest: BS/MD applicants, for example, often make their personal statement all about medicine—and then struggle to write a strong “Why Medicine?” essay later. Keep variety in mind.

  • Using words you don’t normally use: You don’t need to sound like a dictionary. Use your natural voice.

  • Assuming you have to be “creative”: Not true. You can write a great essay without metaphors, poetry, or dramatic structure. Just be honest.

  • Writing only about an event: Don’t just tell us what happened—reflect on how it changed or shaped you.

  • Feeling like you must write about trauma: You don’t. Your story matters, even if it’s not dramatic.

Final Thought

This essay is not about proving you’re extraordinary. It’s about helping colleges see who you are—how you think, what matters to you, and how you might grow on their campus. Your personal statement doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be personal.

Start writing. You’ve got this.