personal essay tips

PERSONAL STATEMENT RESOURCES

THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

Learn how to write your personal statement for the Common Application using our pay-what-you-can comprehensive online courses, blog posts, podcast episodes, and more.

Online Courses and guides:

The Free Guide to Writing the Personal Statement

Kick things off with the two greatest brainstorming exercises ever, learn about options for structuring a personal statement + example outlines, check out some amazing example personal statements, and get on your way to writing your own killer personal statement for university applications.

How to Write a personal statement

A comprehensive video course for students.

A seven-part online course designed to gives students and counselors everything they need to figure out (or help someone else figure out) how to write a personal statement for the Common App. Watch the Q&A sessions after each session where I answer important questions about the personal statement-writing process and give feedback on essays to real high school seniors and junior like you. (Pay-What-You-Can spots available - see page for more details)

Resources From the CEG blog:

100 Brave and interesting questions

100 deep questions to ask yourself, your writing partner, or anyone really. What’s the toughest decision you made today? What’s the toughest decision you made this year? What’s the toughest decision you ever made? What have you forgotten? And 96 more...

4 Qualities of an Amazing College Essay

I wasn't expecting that. I couldn't believe the ending. I feel like this person is just like me.   This article offers four clear elements of an amazing personal statement for college by showing how two real sample personal statements express them.

The Great College Essay Test

Here’s my test for what makes a (not good, but) great college essay. Learn the four components that I look for in each and every college essay and how to add them to your own.

35+ Best College Essay Tips from College Application Experts

We reached out to some of my favorite college admissions experts—some current and former admissions officers—and asked one question: WHAT’S your favorite piece of advice about writing a college essay?

How To Start a College Essay: 9 Surefire Techniques

In anything you do, there’s a very special and pivotal moment when you Do The Darn Thing (DTDT for short). It’s when you get off the couch, stop binging Netflix, and take action.

How to Make Your Personal Statement Introduction Attention-Grabbing

Personal statements that start with intrigue are about a million times more likely to get read.

How to End a College Essay

Providing insight into your thesis by answering “Why is my thesis important?” can be the difference between a so-so essay and a "yay" essay. After years of hearing my students ask, “How do I do that?” I came up with four ways to write a strong college essay conclusion.

How To Write About Yourself: Great Tips For Personal Writing That Won't Sound Awkward

To help you hone your writing chops and prepare for your personal essay, here are four of the best ways to learn how to write about yourself.

How To Sound Smart In Your Personal Statement

Discover 3 ways to sound intelligent in your personal statement (even though that shouldn’t be your primary focus!).

How to Brag in Your College Essay (Without Sounding Annoying)

A personal statement is all about you. So how do you write about your accomplishments without sounding like you’re bragging? Spoiler: it’s all about the values.

How to Add More Vulnerability To Your Personal Statement

Vulnerability is at the heart of what I do. And it’s at the heart of a great college essay. What is vulnerability, and how do you use it to tell a great story?

Should I Come Out in My Personal Statement? (And If So, How)?

Broaching a sensitive topic in your college essay requires finesse. I’ve consulted dozens of experts to find out the best way to come out in your college essay (spoiler: there are many ways).

Sample Essays

PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES

Twelve College Essay Examples That Worked

Personal Statement Examples From Successful College Applications

The Best Common Application Essay Examples 

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Writing Guides  /  How to Write a Personal Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Write a Personal Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

A personal essay is a short piece of writing that reflects the author’s personal experiences, thoughts, feelings, memories or sensations—usually with a unifying or deeper theme or purpose. It is like personal narrative in which the writer is given the freedom to explore his own inner world while also connecting with readers on a meaningful level. Personal essays are most frequently used for college applications, where applicants share their life stories to illustrate a finer point. They are often seen in creative writing courses, where writers allow their voice to shine.

Understanding the personal essay genre is beneficial because of how it can improve self-expression and develop one’s ability to communicate. Mastering the art of personal essay writing can empower you to articulate your stories and experiences, your thoughts and feelings, in a way that will resonate with others. Ever heard of Dale Carnegie or How to Win Friends and Influence People ? Well, therein is a perfect example of how far one can get when mastering the personal essay. All in all, personal essay writing is a great way for self-discovery and self-development.

What is a Personal Essay? (Definition & Purpose)

The definition of a personal essay.

A personal essay is a short, non-fiction narrative essay that is entirely written from the writer’s point of view. That means it’s okay to use the “I” or first-person perspective. It is the one type of essay writing in which the author can simply use his own thoughts and experiences as reference point.

Unlike academic or technical essays, personal essays are very flexible in terms of structure and tone. They may take a storytelling approach—or they may be even more creative by adopting a poetic tone and dreamlike structure. There is really no right or wrong way to do it. The defining characteristic of a personal essay is simply its intimate, conversational voice, which lets the reader glimpse into the writer’s mind and personal life. It is like a sit-down with the author.

Thus, at its core, a personal essay is a platform for self-expression. The writer gets to reflect on and explore memories, challenges, defining moments, or comment on anything by looking at it from his own personal POV. Usually, the writer can give insights or lessons learned along the way—and good essayists like Stephen King do this well . That is why personal essays have the power to transcend mere storytelling; they can be a way to experience personal growth indirectly or vicariously. The essay can be a humorous anecdote or a heartfelt reflection, or a strong and visceral condemnation. It can be anything—so long as it is an authentic representation of the writer’s own mind and heart.

Why Personal Essays Matter

Personal essays are used in a range of situations. You will write them for college applications. You will find them on blogs. People publish their memoirs, which are basically like long personal essays. They are common in creative writing workshops. They are great because they get the writing and critical thinking juices flowing.

In college applications, for example, applicants are often asked to write short personal essays that demonstrate some aspect of their personalities, voice, values, perspective, or experiences. A good personal essay could even end up being the difference between acceptance and rejection.

On blogs, personal essays are ways for authors to share relatable stories and anecdotes that connect to other readers’ lives somehow—and, thus, bloggers win followers and fans.

In creative writing, personal essays are valued for their ability to blend narrative with introspection. It is a form that encourages experimentation with voice and form.

Memoirs often consist of interconnected personal essays, stitched together to form a kind of patchwork quilt of personal reflections.

Overall, the emotional impact of a personal essay lies in its authenticity. The more authentic it is, the more cathartic it can be.

When authors make themselves vulnerable by sharing honest thoughts and perspectives, they invite readers into their soul to see the world through the writer’s eyes. It is unlike any other type of connectivity—nothing matches it: not drama, not technical writing, not even familiar correspondence. This connection created by the personal essay (because it is structured and refined) can spark empathy, understanding, inspiration and change.

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How to Structure a Personal Essay

Typical personal essay format.

The structure of a personal essay is open and flexible. That means it can be set up almost any which way. However, a traditional approach offers the most compelling structure, as it consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion. The essay introduction sets the tone and presents the main theme, the body develops the narrative with ample reflections, and the conclusion wraps up the essay with a final reflection or takeaway. It’s a good, solid approach.

Crafting an Engaging Introduction

The introduction of a personal essay should capture the reader’s attention. Use a strong hook (a good intriguing anecdote usually does the trick) to draw readers in. Effective personal essay introduction tips include keeping it concise, setting the tone, conveying your voice accurately, and presenting the main theme or purpose of the essay. This way, the reader gets a sense of what to expect and is more inclined to read on. The perfect phrasing of the first sentence or two can be a great personal essay opening.

Developing the Body of the Essay

The body of a personal essay is where the writer gets into the personal experiences and considerations that he wishes to share. The body should be organized logically, but the writer is free to use anecdotes and vivid reflections as he sees fit to create an engaging narrative.

The pacing of the essay is important: it should be balanced between reflection and storytelling. You want the essay to emotionally resonate while also speaking to the mind with insight and learning. Each section should focus on an aspect or moment of the story until, gradually, the essay’s deeper meaning is revealed.

If you can foreshadow the full meaning or point in your introduction, even better.

Writing a Strong Conclusion

A well-crafted conclusion leaves a lasting impression. You can summarize the main points, but it’s also a good place to reflect more broadly on the deeper meaning of what you’ve written about. So, instead of restating what has already been said, go for a conclusion that goes deeper still, to reveal an impressive final thought that ties everything together. Personal essays often end on a note of ultimate reflection.

Personal Essay Writing Tips

Be authentic and vulnerable.

One of the most important aspects of a personal essay is its authenticity. Readers connect with genuine, honest experiences, which is why you have to be truthful in your writing. Sharing personal thoughts, emotions, real experiences, worries, concerns, and even insecurities—all of it makes it easier for the reader to relate to you. Writing with vulnerability means being open about your feelings and reflections, even if they make you uncomfortable.

Here’s a tip: balance vulnerability with intention, so that the shared details serve the essay’s ultimate purpose. To be more authentic, avoid trying to impress the reader; instead, focus on simply being sincere and true. No need to apologize—just convey.

Use Descriptive Language and Sensory Details

To create a vivid and engaging personal essay, use descriptive language and sensory details that bring your experiences to life. Show, don’t just tell—describe how things looked, smelled, felt, and sounded. This is how your reader gets absorbed into the writing.

For example, instead of saying “I was nervous,” actually describe the sensation of nervousness: “My hands trembled, my flesh tingled, a cold sweat broke out all over me, and my heart flopped twice in my chest.”

But remember: try to strike a balance between detail and clarity. Overloading your essay with excessive descriptions can bog it down. Too little detail can leave the reader disengaged. Focus on using precise, exciting imagery to improve the narrative when it is most needed.

Editing and Revising Your Personal Essay

Editing and revising are always going to be helpful when it comes to improving your personal essay. After writing the first draft, step away for a bit and come back later with fresh eyes. Read it again and note any areas that could use clarification or expansion. Next, check for common mistakes like awkward phrasing or over repetition.

Be careful, too, not to lose your unique personal voice during the editing process. Avoid the temptation to over-edit, as this can make the essay sound forced or mechanical. When in doubt, have someone else read your essay to offer feedback.

Personal Essay Topics & Essay Prompts

Finding inspiration for your personal essay.

When writing a personal essay, finding the right topic will help you to more easily create a compelling narrative. Common themes often revolve around pivotal life-changing moments that shaped who you are. It will be different for everyone—but just think about who you are and why—what made you that way?

You can look at life-changing moments, relationships, personal growth, achieving personal milestones, difficult decisions you made. Think about family, friends, mentors—how they’ve influenced your development. Think about how experiences have helped strengthen you, or moments of self-discovery that led to deeper understanding of your identity and beliefs.

Personal Essay Topics

High school topics.

• A Challenge I Overcame Reflect on a difficult situation in your life and how you grew from it.
• My Most Memorable High School Experience Write about a specific event during high school that had a significant impact on you.
• How a Teacher Changed My Perspective Discuss how a teacher or mentor influenced your views on education or life.
• The Impact of Extracurricular Activities Share how involvement in a sport, club, or activity has shaped your high school experience.
• A Time I Failed and What I Learned Write about a failure that taught you an important lesson about perseverance.
• How My Friends Have Shaped Who I Am Explore how your friendships during high school have influenced your character.
• The Importance of Balancing Academics and Personal Life Discuss the challenges of managing schoolwork with social and personal activities.
• A Time I Stood Up for What I Believe In Share a story about standing up for your values or beliefs in a difficult situation.
• My Biggest High School Regret Reflect on something you wish you had done differently during high school.
• How I Prepare for Life After High School Write about how you are preparing for the transition from high school to college or the workforce.

College Topics

• The First Time I Felt Independent Describe the moment you first experienced real independence, such as moving to college or making an important life decision.
• A College Course That Changed My Life Write about a class that expanded your worldview or shaped your future goals.
• Balancing School and Life Reflect on how you’ve managed the responsibilities of academics and personal life in college.
• A Time I Took a Risk and Succeeded Share a story about a time you took a big risk and what the outcome taught you.
• How My College Major Has Shaped My Identity Explore how your chosen field of study has influenced who you are becoming.
• The Best Advice I Ever Received in College Write about a piece of advice that helped you navigate college life.
• How My Hometown Shaped Who I Am Today Reflect on how your upbringing or hometown influenced your college experience.
• A College Internship That Changed My Perspective Describe how a work experience or internship impacted your career goals.
• Dealing with Homesickness in College Share your experience of missing home and how you overcame it.
• How College Friendships Have Helped Me Grow Write about how friendships in college have helped you grow personally or academically.

Middle School Topics

• My First Best Friend Share a story about your first close friendship and what it taught you about relationships.
• A Time I Helped Someone Describe a moment when you lent a helping hand to someone, and how it made you feel.
• The Most Exciting Day of My Life Write about a day that stands out in your memory as one of the happiest or most thrilling experiences.
• My Favorite Hobby and Why I Love It Write about a hobby or activity you enjoy and why it’s important to you.
• What I Want to Be When I Grow Up Describe your dream job or future career and why it appeals to you.
• A Family Tradition That Means a Lot to Me Write about a special family tradition and why it’s important to you.
• How I Felt on My First Day of Middle School Reflect on the emotions and experiences of your first day in middle school.
• A Time I Made a New Friend Share a story about how you made a new friend and what it taught you about building relationships.
• My Favorite School Subject Write about the subject you enjoy the most in school and why.
• How I Overcame My Biggest Fear Describe a time when you faced a fear and how it helped you grow.

Unique Topics

• A Mistake That Turned Into a Valuable Lesson Share a story where you made a mistake, and how it led to unexpected growth or insight.
• A Conversation That Changed My Perspective Write about a meaningful conversation that caused you to think differently about an important topic.
• The Time I Experienced a Culture Shock Describe a moment when you were exposed to a different culture or way of life and how it impacted you.
• A Time I Broke the Rules Share a story about when you broke a rule and what the consequences taught you.
• My Favorite Place in the World Write about a place that holds special meaning for you and why it’s significant.
• How a Book or Movie Changed My Life Discuss how a specific book or film impacted your way of thinking or inspired you.
• A Time I Got Lost Share a story about getting physically or emotionally lost and what you learned from finding your way.
• If I Could Live in Another Time Period Write about which historical time period you would want to live in and why.
• A Skill I Taught Myself Describe a time when you learned something on your own and how it shaped your confidence or abilities.
• The Most Unexpected Lesson I Learned from a Stranger Share a story about learning something valuable from someone you didn’t know well.

Sample Prompts for Personal Essays

If you’re struggling to come up with an idea, here are some personal essay topic ideas and essay prompts for personal writing to get you started:

• Write about a moment when you had to make a difficult decision. What was at stake, and how did it change you?
• Describe a time when you experienced failure. How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a relationship that has deeply impacted your life. What did it teach you about life, yourself, or others?
• Share a story about a time when you stepped outside of your comfort zone. What fears did you overcome, and what did you gain?
• Write about a personal achievement that made you feel proud. What steps did you take to get there, and why does it matter to you?
• Discuss a moment of self-discovery that changed the way you view the world or yourself.
• Describe a significant challenge or hardship you’ve faced and how it shaped your character.
• Reflect on a cultural or family tradition that holds personal meaning for you.
• Write about a time when you had to stand up for something you believed in. What motivated you, and what was the outcome?
• Share a memory that brings you joy and explain why it’s important to you.
• Write about a moment when you learned a hard truth about yourself or someone else.
• Reflect on a time when you felt out of place or misunderstood. How did you cope, and what did it teach you?
• Share a story about a person or event that inspired you to pursue a particular path or goal.
• Discuss how a personal hobby or interest has shaped your identity.
• Write about a time when you faced a moral dilemma. How did you resolve it, and what did you learn?

Examples of Well-Written Personal Essays

Analysis of famous personal essays.

One of the most well-known personal essays is Joan Didion’s “Goodbye to All That,” where she reflects on her time in New York City. Didion’s essay is effective because of its emotional depth and objective storytelling. She blends personal reflection with sharp, sensory details. The reader lives through her experience. Didion’s honesty and vulnerability in discussing her fading love for the city help create the sensation of disenchantment—and the reader feels it completely.

Another excellent example is “The Death of a Moth” by Virginia Woolf. In this essay, Woolf transforms a seemingly mundane event—the death of a moth—into a profound reflection on life and mortality. Woolf’s ability to take a small, ordinary moment and imbue it with universal meaning is what makes her essay stand out. The essay is less about her own life and more about life in general, but it is all her in the sense of perspective. Her prose and insights, and use of symbolism, gives the reader some big themes to chew on.

Key Takeaways from Successful Personal Essays

To make a personal essay impactful, here are a few techniques to follow:

• Authenticity : Share personal stories and emotions honestly and openly.
• Vivid descriptions : Use sensory details to make the narrative come alive for the reader.
• Emotional depth : Convey your inner thoughts and feelings to create a connection with the audience.
• Universal themes : Relate personal experiences to broader, more relatable human experiences.
• Reflection : Go beyond storytelling by offering insights or lessons learned.
• Symbolism and imagery : Elevate ordinary moments into meaningful reflections by using literary devices.

How to Get Feedback on Your Personal Essay

The importance of peer review.

Receiving feedback can help with refining your personal essay. Peer review can give you new perspectives on your writing, help identify unclear sections, and allow you to see what you didn’t see before. Constructive criticism from others can give you an idea of what your audience might be thinking. When seeking feedback, be open-minded and accept critiques as opportunities for growth. Not every suggestion needs to be followed—after all, it’s your essay. But focus on the suggestions that improve clarity, emotional impact, and narrative flow, and don’t be afraid to make revisions.

Online Tools & Writing Communities

There are numerous online platforms where you can share your work and receive valuable feedback. Writing forums like Reddit’s r/writing or Scribophile are spaces where writers can exchange critiques. Social media groups dedicated to writing are also great places to get input from fellow writers. So are structured writing workshops, like those offered by Writer’s Digest or The Write Life. These platforms help you to connect with a community of writers. With them you’ll have a chance to get personalized peer review for essays and online writing feedback.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Personal Essays

Overloading with unnecessary details.

One common mistake in personal essays is including too many irrelevant or trivial details that detract from the core message. Descriptions are important, but don’t overload the essay with unnecessary information. Describe what needs to be described to communicate the themes. Don’t overwhelm the reader and dilute the emotional impact by focusing on insignificant details. Give, instead, details that add to the story and contribute to the overall idea. Every sentence should serve a purpose—if it doesn’t add value or further the narrative, it’s best to leave it out.

Lack of Focus or Clear Theme

Another mistake is writing without a clear theme or losing focus as the essay progresses. A personal essay should revolve around a specific idea, experience, reflection, or lesson. When the essay lacks focus, it just ends up feeling disjointed and confused. To avoid this, establish a central theme early in the essay and stick to it; make sure every detail somehow relates back to it so as to deepen its meaning or enlarge it somehow. Every story, anecdote, reflection, and detail should tie back to that theme. A strong narrative thread will make the essay more engaging and meaningful.

Over-Editing or Losing Personal Voice

Be careful to avoid over-editing, which can result in an essay that feels too polished and impersonal. In an effort to perfect grammar or structure, writers sometimes lose their own unique voice and emotional authenticity. Avoid editing to the point where the essay becomes mechanical—try to keep the raw, honest tone that makes personal essays compelling. Trust your voice and trust your gut and let it shine through.

Final Checklist Before Submitting Your Personal Essay

Editing and proofreading tips.

Before submitting your personal essay, run through this quick checklist:

• Grammar and spelling : Correct any grammatical errors and typos to ensure professionalism.
• Flow and structure : Ensure that your essay follows a clear, logical progression, with smooth transitions between paragraphs.
• Clarity : Make sure your main points are easily understood and that your theme remains focused throughout.
• Emotional impact : Review whether the essay evokes the intended emotions and resonates with readers.
• Personal voice : Ensure that your unique voice and perspective shine through without sounding overly polished or formal.

Confidence in Sharing Your Story

As you prepare to submit your essay, remember that your story is uniquely yours. Embrace your experiences and insights with pride. Your personal essay is a reflection of you. Don’t apologize for it. Confidence in your writing comes from understanding that no one else can tell your story the way you can. Trust your voice and be proud of your work!

Writing a personal essay is a powerful way to express your experiences, thoughts, insights, lessons learned, feelings, and memories. You can structure it however you want—but be consistent. The traditional way is to start with an engaging introduction, followed up by a well-organized body, and finished off with a reflective conclusion. Use that approach and you have the backbone for a compelling narrative.

Remember to maintain authenticity by writing with honesty. Let yourself be vulnerable—it’s okay and expected in a personal essay. Use descriptive language to bring your story to life—but don’t overdo it. Take time to revise carefully. Polish your essay, but don’t kill it with too much care. Let your personal voice live and shine in your words and ideas. This is, after all, a reflection of you and who you are and what you’ve seen and where you’ve been!

Need additional help?  Download our personal essay writing worksheet to help get you started!

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How to Write a Personal Essay: 6 Tips for Writing Personal Essays

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Sep 9, 2021 • 3 min read

People write personal essays for a number of reasons. High school students write them for college admissions and writers use them to share personal stories with others. A personal narrative essay can enlighten and inspire an audience with information gained from real life experiences.

How to Write a Personal Essay for Your College Application

by Amy Allen

Summary .   

How can you write an essay that helps advance you in the eyes of the admissions officers and makes a real impression? Here are some tips to get you started.

• Start early.  Do not leave it until the last minute. Give yourself time when you don’t have other homework or extracurriculars hanging over your head to work on the essay.
• Keep the focus narrow.  Your essay does not have to cover a massive, earth-shattering event. Some people in their teens haven’t experienced a major life event. Some people have. Either way, it’s okay.
• Be yourself.  Whether writing about a painful experience or a more simple experience, use the narrative to be vulnerable and honest about who you are. Use words you would normally use. Trust your voice and the fact that your story is interesting enough in that no one else has lived it.
• Be creative.  “Show, don’t tell,” and that applies here — to an extent. The best essays typically do both. You can help your reader see and feel what you are describing by using some figurative language throughout your piece.
• Make a point. As you finish your final body paragraphs ask yourself “So what?” This will help you hone in on how to end your essay in a way that elevates it into a story about an insight or discovery you made about yourself, rather than just being about an experience you had.

We’ve all heard about the dreaded “college essay,” the bane of every high school senior’s existence. This daunting element of the college application is something that can create angst for even the most accomplished students.

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