Can you use the word I in a personal statement?

Asked by: Alvena Lemke  |  Last update: August 9, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (58 votes)

Consider The "I" Problem: This is a personal statement; using the first person pronoun "I" is acceptable. Writers often feel rather self-conscious about using first person excessively, either because they are modest or because they have learned to avoid first and second person ("you") in any type of formal writing.

What can I use instead of I in a personal statement?

Never use “I,” “my,” or otherwise refer to yourself in formal academic writing. You should also avoid using the second-person point of view, such as by referring to the reader as “you.” Instead, write directly about your subject matter in the third person.

What words should you avoid in a personal statement?

Here are some words you should remove if they feature in your personal statement.
  • Passionate. Possibly the most overused word when it comes to personal statements. ...
  • Team player. You're a team player and can also work well individually? ...
  • Watching TV. ...
  • Extensive. ...
  • Also. ...
  • Jokes and puns. ...
  • Expert. ...
  • Overly long words.

Can you use I in an essay about yourself?

In academic or college writing, most formal essays and research reports use third person pronouns and do not use “I” or “you.” An essay is the writer's analysis about a topic. The essay is based on the writer's ideas and experience, not on other sources of information the writer has researched.

How do I describe myself in a personal statement?

How to write a personal statement
  1. Write a personal introduction. Write an introduction that reflects you and your personality. ...
  2. Expand on relevant skills, interests and experiences. ...
  3. Write a strong conclusion. ...
  4. Proofread and edit.

PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE! (The #1 PERSONAL STATEMENT TEMPLATE for Job Applications & Interviews!)

32 related questions found

How do you introduce yourself in a personal statement essay?

Start with why you chose it, then try and summarise this in one or two sentences. Be original and refer to personal experiences as a way to draw attention. Avoid overused opening sentences, quotes and clichés like 'when I was young…' They want to know about you now, not your childhood or Shakespeare!

What words can I use instead of passion in a personal statement?

Synonyms of passion
  • love.
  • affection.
  • devotion.
  • enthusiasm.
  • respect.
  • fondness.
  • desire.
  • longing.

Should I avoid using I in my essay?

Maintaining a formal voice while writing academic essays and papers is essential to sound objective. One of the main rules of academic or formal writing is to avoid first-person pronouns like “we,” “you,” and “I.” These words pull focus away from the topic and shift it to the speaker – the opposite of your goal.

Is it OK to use I myself?

It is correct to say, “I myself.” “Myself” is an intensive pronoun that emphasizes the personal pronoun “I.” You may pair the two pronouns to intensify your statement about what you did yourself. We primarily use the phrase for something we oversaw in person. For example, you could say, “I myself examined the machine.”

What is another way to say yourself in an essay?

On this page you'll find 9 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to myself, such as: i personally, me personally, personally, the author, the speaker, and the writer.

Should I say I in a personal statement?

Consider The "I" Problem: This is a personal statement; using the first person pronoun "I" is acceptable. Writers often feel rather self-conscious about using first person excessively, either because they are modest or because they have learned to avoid first and second person ("you") in any type of formal writing.

What makes a personal statement weak?

Choosing a bland topic that admissions committees see over and over again. Overstating the obvious and using clichés. It's very likely that the applicants you are competing with also like science and want to help people. Lying or making up a personal story for your essay.

What are clichés in personal statement?

This example shows the problem with clichés—they are general statements that do not add any detailed evidence or unique support to a piece of writing, whether that writing is a personal statement or an academic essay.

What can I say instead of I have?

Synonyms of have
  • possess.
  • own.
  • retain.
  • enjoy.
  • hold.
  • keep.
  • carry.
  • command.

What is a good starter for a personal statement?

Try to avoid cliches and the most obvious opening sentences so you stand out from the very first line.
  • From a young age…
  • For as long as I can remember…
  • I am applying for this course because…
  • I have always been interested in…
  • Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…

How do you not use the word I so much?

You can use -ing verb forms instead of writing the subject ("I") in each dependent clause. Compare "when I write in English" to "when writing in English", and "when I talk about something" to "when talking about something". The subject ("I") can also be removed from independent clauses by using the passive voice.

Should I say myself or I?

Knowing when to use me, myself or I is a source of confusion for native and non-native English speakers alike. To avoid such confusion, remember the following: "Me" always functions as the object; "I" is always the subject. You can only use "myself" when you've referred to yourself earlier in the sentence.

Is myself the same as I?

Me, myself, and I. You may be tempted to use these words interchangeably, because they all refer to the same thing. But in fact, each one has a specific role in a sentence: 'I' is a subject pronoun, 'me' is an object pronoun, and 'myself' is a reflexive or intensive pronoun.

Is it correct to say John and me or John and I?

You can use John and I to start a sentence, and when the speaker (I) is the subject of the sentence. On the other hand, John and me comes at the end of a sentence, and is used when the speaker (I) is the object of a sentence.

Are I statements bad in writing?

Avoiding “I” can lead to awkwardness and vagueness, whereas using it in your writing can improve style and clarity. Using personal experience, when relevant, can add concreteness and even authority to writing that might otherwise be vague and impersonal.

Is it OK to use I in academic writing?

Use the first person singular pronoun appropriately, for example, to describe research steps or to state what you will do in a chapter or section. Do not use first person "I" to state your opinions or feelings; cite credible sources to support your scholarly argument.

Can you use I in college essay?

Not only is it fine to make “I” statements in your application essays, but colleges expect your essays to sound like you, too! Always be yourself in your application, not the candidate you think admissions committees want to see.

How do you sound passionate in a personal statement?

It's tricky to show enthusiasm and excitement without sounding repetitive and the same as everyone else. To do this without coming across in a cliched fashion, try and be frank and honest in your personal statement, by demonstrating humility and giving real examples that show your passion for the subject.

What should a personal statement sound like?

What makes a good personal statement?
  • Explain the reason for your choice and how it fits in with your aspirations for the future.
  • Give examples of any related academic or work experience.
  • Show you know what the course will involve and mention any special subjects you're interested in.

How do you show passion for a subject in a personal statement?

The best way to reveal your passion is to follow a statement of interest with examples of effort and experience. “I have a strong interest in diabetes. While working at So-and-So Diabetes Camp, I gained exposure to several diabetes management techniques and learned from experienced endocrinologists.”