Should you avoid using I in a personal statement?
Asked by: Dr. Zack Walter IV | Last update: September 19, 2023Score: 5/5 (63 votes)
Yet in this type of writing using first person is essential because it makes your prose more lively. Using third person can result in a vague and overly wordy essay. While starting every sentence with "I" is not advisable, remember that you and your experiences are the subject of the essay.
How do you avoid using I in a personal statement?
Take a Third-Person Perspective
Changing the perspective is a good way to take first-person pronouns out of a sentence. A third-person point of view will not use any first-person pronouns because the information is not given from the speaker's perspective.
Should you use I in a personal essay?
You can use first-person pronouns in your essays, but you probably shouldn't. But like I said, it's complicated. My sense is that teachers usually tell their students to avoid “I” or “me” (or “we,” “us,” “my,” and “our”) because these pronouns are often used poorly.
What words should you avoid in a 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.
Is it OK to use personal pronouns in personal statement?
Personal pronouns are acceptable. Starting every sentence with “I” is not advisable, of course and you may feel self-conscious. However, do not be too modest! You need to provide evidence that you have relevant requirements in an interesting, authentic, succinct, structured and personal way.
Personal Statement MISTAKES TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS
How do you replace I in a personal essay?
"One," "the reader," "readers," "the viewer," or something similar sometimes can be used effectively in place of first-person pronouns in formal papers, but be careful not to overuse these expressions.
Can I use I in a statement of purpose?
It's perfectly normal to use first person pronouns in your statement of purpose.
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 not to put in a personal essay?
- Never rehash your academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
- Never write about a "topic"
- Never start with a preamble.
- Never end with a “happily ever after” conclusion.
- Never pontificate.
- Never retreat into your thoughts.
- Never hold back.
How do you say I think without using first person?
Examples of personal opinion: “I believe…” “I think…” “In my opinion…” “I would say that…” The third person point of view is often used as an alternative to first person as the “voice” in academic writing. The original example presents a personal opinion of climate change with no supporting facts.
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.
Can you use I in a first person essay?
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.
Are I statements bad in essays?
It is better to not use “you” in formal writing or speaking. 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.
How many times should you use I in a personal statement?
I'm a creative writer, but I try to avoid starting any sentence the same way more than twice in a paragraph. That said, you have to go with what sounds best and most natural. You can avoid starting all your sentences with "I" by adding an intro clause before it.
How do you write a strong personal statement?
- Read the instructions carefully. ...
- Focus on yourself. ...
- Demonstrate your genuine interest and enthusiasm. ...
- Start early. ...
- Explain any discrepancies in your application in your personal statement. ...
- Review good sentence and paragraph structure. ...
- Use the active voice.
Why is writing a personal statement so hard?
You may need a personal statement, letter of intent, or application letter when applying to graduate or professional schools. This document can be very challenging to write, as you will need to concisely outline your strengths, goals, experiences, and qualifications while demonstrating good writing skills.
Is it bad to use clichés in college essays?
She thought they might be, but the answer is no, not really! Phrases like “I give 110%” and “I'm a hard worker” are clichés, but it's perfectly fine to start your essay with familiar phrases when you want to demonstrate that you persevere or face challenges with grace.
Should I say thank you at the end of a personal statement?
Therefore, while it may seem polite and courteous to end by saying “I hope that I will be admitted to your university”, or “thank you for your consideration”, these sentences are too general and would not do justice to all the impressive aspects of your application you've mentioned in your personal statement.
What does a strong personal statement look like?
Be unique: Your personal statement should be unique to you, so discuss what makes you different from other candidates. Include specific details and brief examples of your experiences to help your personal statement stand out.
Should you include GPA in personal statement?
Don't include your GPA in your personal statement. In fact, avoid including any information – such as awards you've received, etc. – that can be found elsewhere in your application. It's redundant.
Can a thesis statement say I?
Don't state your opinion in the first person. “I believe,” and “I think” are both unacceptable in thesis statements. Yes, it's technically your opinion, but the goal of a thesis and a thesis paper is to argue your opinion so eloquently that it can convince others, therefore making the “I” behind “I believe” irrelevant.
Should a personal statement have a header?
Headers and Footers
Your personal statement needs to include a header that has your name and your LSAC number. This will be crucial for admissions officers to identify your documents if they get mixed up.
How do you avoid I statements in a paper?
Use the third person point of view.
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.