Should a personal statement have a title?

No, a title is generally not required for a personal statement, and often discouraged in favor of using all available space for content, but it's acceptable if it genuinely enhances the essay and fits within limits, with some specific applications (like ERAS for residency) requiring one; check application guidelines, but avoid generic or gimmicky titles, opting for clarity if you do use one.

What not to include in a personal statement?

When writing a personal statement, avoid clichés, repeating info already in your application, generic "life story" narratives, bad grammar/spelling, and overly complex language; instead, focus on specific, relevant experiences, show genuine reflection, use clear and concise writing, and keep it positive and focused on you and the program. Don't include unnecessary quotes, try too hard with humor, or discuss unrelated personal issues, and always proofread meticulously. 

Does Eras personal statement need a title?

You create your own personal statements in the MyERAS portal from the Personal Statements section listed under Documents. Each personal statement must contain a Personal Statement Title and the Personal Statement Content.

Should I put a title on an essay?

Titles: Every essay or piece of formal writing in college needs a title. If it's only a paragraph or a short piece of informal writing (like a journal entry or reading response), you can probably forego including a title. On everything else, though, be sure to include one.

Do personal narratives need a title?

When you have a complete understanding of what the story is about, build on the craft to create a title that adds to and completes the personal essay. Further tips for titling your personal essays: The title is the first thing the reader sees—grab her attention. Short is ideal, four words or less.

Watch THIS Before Starting Your Common App Essay

Does a personal statement need a title?

There is no need to add titles when submitting your personal statement. Avoid mentioning things that the college wants you to say. Be honest and genuine about yourself!

Is it okay to trauma dump in college essays?

No, it's generally not okay to "trauma dump" (overshare intense details of trauma) in college essays; instead, focus on resilience and growth, showing what you learned and how you overcame challenges, not just the hardship itself, to demonstrate maturity and character, not pity or victimhood. Use the trauma as context for a story of personal development, emphasizing your strengths and self-awareness, rather than letting the negative experience define you or overwhelm the narrative. 

How do people with ADHD write essays?

Some people find it helpful to break down the writing process into smaller tasks and work on a number of tasks in smaller sprints. However, some people with ADHD find managing a number of tasks overwhelming, so for them, a “marathon write” may be a good idea. A marathon write doesn't have to mean last-minute writing.

What are the 5 D's of college essays?

The "5 Ds" of college essays are common, overused topics to avoid, representing Death, Divorce, Disease (or Depression), Drugs, and Dating, as they're hard to write about compellingly and often become cliché, making it tough to stand out; instead, focus on showcasing your personality and growth through more unique experiences, experts advise. 

How to get an A+ on an essay?

Here's how to write an essay sure to get you an A+ grade:

1. Do Some Preliminary Research. ...
2. Write Your Thesis Statement. ...
3. Build an Essay Outline. ...
4. Write Your Body Paragraphs. ...
5. Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction. ...
6. Write an Applause-Worthy Conclusion. ...
7. Edit, Edit, Edit. ...
8. Format Your Sources.

What is the 80 20 rule for personal statement?

The 80/20 rule for a personal statement means dedicating 80% of your content to academic focus, showing deep engagement with the subject (supercurriculars like research, projects, relevant reading) and your intellectual journey, while using the remaining 20% for extracurriculars, work experience, and future ambitions, keeping it concise and relevant to your chosen field. This Pareto principle helps prioritize what admissions tutors care most about: your potential and passion for the course, ensuring your statement is focused and not just a list of activities. 

Do I need a heading for my personal statement?

For some, that includes a title. For others, they use every word possible in the word count to tell their story. Your student can debate the merits of a title or not as they're developing their essays. They are not needed, but I like them.

How much AI is allowed in a personal statement?

AI must not be used when writing personal statements and CVs. This prohibition covers the use of AI to help your use of English.

What makes a weak personal statement?

Making simple grammatical errors

Don't forget to check your grammar and spelling. Even if you're not applying for an essay-based course, it's important to have a personal statement free of mistakes. It shows you've taken care over putting it together. Read your statement out loud to make sure it flows well.

Do and don'ts for personal statements?

Proofread as many times as possible. Don't copy and paste – make yours original. Don't post your personal statement on the internet or on social media or share your personal statement with anyone including your friends and family, unless asking for feedback from people you trust.

Why am I struggling to write a personal statement?

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. This can be a time-consuming project, so allow plenty of time to work on your statement.

Is it bad if my college essay is exactly 650 words?

No, it's not bad; hitting exactly 650 words for a Common App essay is perfectly fine and often seen as ideal, showing you've used the space effectively to tell your story without going over the strict limit, which admissions officers appreciate for conciseness and following directions. While some aim for slightly under to leave room for editing, getting right to the maximum demonstrates full engagement with the opportunity to share your unique self, so focus on quality content over hitting an exact number, but don't shy away from the limit if your story warrants it. 

What do Ivy League schools look for in essays?

Ivy League admissions officers read thousands of essays, and they're not looking for perfection – they're looking for presence. They want to hear your voice, understand your motivations, and feel your perspective come through.

What is the top 10 rule when applying for college?

The "Top 10 Percent Rule" is a Texas law guaranteeing automatic admission to state universities for high school graduates in the top 10% of their class, designed to increase diversity and access, though flagship universities like UT Austin have lowered their specific threshold (e.g., to the top 6%, now 5% for Fall 2026) to manage demand, requiring applicants to still meet program-specific requirements and creating incentives for strategic high school choices, notes this Houston Chronicle article and the NBER. 

What is the 30% rule in ADHD?

The "ADHD 30% rule" refers to the concept that executive function skills (like planning, impulse control, and organization) in individuals with ADHD often develop about 30% more slowly than in neurotypical peers, meaning a 30-year-old might have the self-regulation of a 21-year-old, requiring adapted expectations and strategies, while a related "30% rule" for practical management involves adding 30% more time to tasks and taking 30-second pauses to combat time blindness and impulsivity.
 

What is the 2 minute rule for ADHD?

The ADHD "2-Minute Rule" suggests doing any task that takes two minutes or less immediately to prevent small things from piling up and overwhelming you, helping build momentum and clear mental clutter. While great for some, others find it tricky due to ADHD's time-estimation issues, suggesting modified versions like a "5-minute rule" or writing down tasks on a "catch-all" list to review later, to avoid getting sidetracked or losing focus on bigger goals. 

What is the 24 hour rule for ADHD?

The "24-hour rule" for ADHD is a self-regulation strategy where you pause for a full day before making impulsive, significant decisions (like big purchases or quitting a job) to allow for clearer, less emotional thinking and reduce potential regret, acting as a "reset button" for immediate urges by creating a buffer for reflection and objective evaluation. It's a practical coping mechanism, not a diagnostic tool, helping manage impulsivity and emotional reactivity common with ADHD by shifting from immediate reaction to intentional response.
 

What are the most cliche college essay topics?

Cliché College Essay Topics to Avoid + How to Fix Them

• Résumé of your life and achievements. ...
• Sports injury, challenge, or success. ...
• Immigrant story. ...
• Tragedy – death, divorce, abuse. ...
• Working hard in a challenging class. ...
• Someone you admire (a person you know or historical figure) ...
• Volunteer trip.

Do colleges check if your essay is plagiarized?

Virtually all colleges and universities use plagiarism detectors to detect plagiarism in the admissions process. By submitting our essays to these databases, it makes it practically impossible for students to plagiarize our essays because it'll be immediately flagged by the software.

Should I mention depression in my personal statement?

“Mental health challenges have become a somewhat common topic for personal statements, and it's fine to reference them in your personal statement or in the additional information section.