The Do's

. Unite your essay and give it direction with a theme or thesis. The thesis is the main point you
want to communicate. Make sure it answers the question.

. Before you begin writing, choose what you want to discuss and the order in which you want
to discuss it.

. Use concrete examples from your life experience to support your thesis and distinguish
yourself from other applicants.

. Write about what interests you, excites you. That's what the admissions staff wants to read.

. Start your essay with an attention-grabbing lead--an anecdote, quote, question, or engaging
description of a scene.

. End your essay with a conclusion that refers back to the lead and restates your thesis.

. Revise your essay at least three times.

. In addition to your editing, ask someone else to critique your personal statement for you.

. Proofread your personal statement by reading it out loud or reading it into a tape recorder
and playing back the tape.

. Write clearly, succinctly.

The Don'ts

. Don't include information that doesn't support your thesis.

. Don't start your essay with "I was born in...," or "My parents came from..."

. Don't write an autobiography, itinerary, or résumé in prose.

. Don't try to be a clown (but gentle humor is OK).

. Don't be afraid to start over if the essay just isn't working or doesn't answer the question.

. Don't try to impress your reader with your vocabulary.

. Don't rely exclusively on your computer to check your spelling.

. Don't provide a collection of generic statements and platitudes.

. Don't give mealy-mouthed, weak excuses for your GPA or test scores.

. Don't make things up.