Writing UW Personal Statement?

Hey friends! The personal statement seems to be a pretty big part of the University of Washington's application and I want to make sure I nail it. Does anyone have any tips for what the University of Washington looks for in these statements?

When writing your personal statement for the University of Washington (UW), it's essential to show the unique qualities and experiences that set you apart from other applicants. These could include activities that reflect your passions, demonstrate your leadership skills, or any personal story that illuminates your personality and intellectual drive.

Do remember that the wording of UW's prompt is designed to be broad, therefore, you have a lot of liberty in choosing your topic. That said, you'll want to give a sense of your values, how you handle challenges, what inspires you, and how you shape your life's objectives.

One highly recommended structure for the essay is to use a story or anecdote from your life that demonstrates your character; use that story as a launch pad to explore your thoughts, attitudes, and growth. For example, if you had to take up a part-time job on weeknights to support your family, this experience could have instilled in you a strong work ethic and found a newfound appreciation for education.

Finally, you should specifically illustrate how these experiences have prepared you for studying at UW. For example, if you have demonstrated leadership skills and perseverance in your extracurricular activities or personal life, highlight how these traits will help you succeed in your intended major.

Remember, the personal statement is an essential part of your application as it truly allows the admissions officers to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores. Don't rush through it; take the time to revise and polish, ensuring that your voice shines through.