Autobiography Essay

Many scholarship applications, like most college applications, require an autobiographical essay, a personal statement that describes who you are. It gives the judges an idea of your background, your personality, your character – details about you that you can only describe in an essay (unless you have an interview). Oftentimes, the prompts for these personal statements are worded like this:“Tell us a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates
your character or helped to shape it.” To write a powerful and effective autobiographical essay, there are several key ideas to keep in mind.
CHOOSE A CONVINCING STORY AND FOCUS ON A THEME
When you choose the story to write about, think of unique experiences that make you who you are. If you’re thinking about writingabout your short-term mission trip to Mexico or how you became your school’s student body president, keep in mind that students from all around the United States will be submitting unique and individual stories. Instead of writing about topics that are cliché or canned (like canned goods that are ready to be opened and used), think deeply into your experiences–what events in your life have made youwho you are today. Ask yourself, “If there’s something about you that others would not know through your academics, extracurricular activities, and resume, what would that be?” Imagine sitting down with a scholarship judge or admissions counselor who asks, “If there is one thing you want me to know about you, what would that be?” You want your story to make sense and to capture your reader’sattention. Choose an aspect of your life that you want to focus on and shape your essay to reflect that theme. For example, if you have overcome tremendous hardship that has shaped your character, then focus on how your adversity helped build your character. Specifically, relate this event to the broader lessons of life so that the reader can better understand your development.
CAPTURE THE READER’SATTENTION
The first step in actually writing the essay is to begin with a creative way of capturing the reader’s attention. Write in a style that you are most comfortable with. Some ways of writing your intro are by narrating a specific event from a first person point of view that reflects the theme of your essay or by describing a certain scenario from a third person point of view. Regardless ofyour approach, remember to end your intro with a sentence that leaves the reader excited to continue reading and learn more about you.
STRENGTHENING THE BODY
After a strong intro, the body of the essay continues to tell the story of your experiences. It takes the snapshot you present in the intro and supports it with necessary and specific detail. Don’t overwrite and include information that isirrelevant or wordy. Keep it simple and straightforward. The body of the essay should show the story, not tell, meaning you should show specifically your own personal growth and development through relevant examples. As you write, make sure to share how you felt so the reader can really see your character development. Keep organization and logical sequence in mind as well. Judges take notice ofyour conventions and organization. As you move toward your conclusion, the tone of your writing should become more positive and optimistic. It should lead right into your conclusion.
CONCLUSIONS THAT CIRCLE BACK
The beginning of your conclusion should put the cap on the story portion of your essay. It should emphasize a sense of hope in the context of your writing and demonstrate a positive changethat continues into today. Following that, you want to restate that it was “through this specific (you want to state it explicitly) experience” that you learned the specific lessons. Make sure to state specifically the lessons and tie them into a big picture outlook. I have found it effective to use a powerful quote that relates to your theme and content. Use the writing tips from Writer’s...