PERSONAL STATEMENTS

CONNECTING PERSONAL STATEMENTS & REFLECTIONS BY GRADE LEVEL

This is a cumulative collection.
300 word minimum
FRESHMAN
Personal statement
GOALS & TASKS: Articulate the goals and tasks you have established for
yourself and your efforts to accomplish them. Give at least one specific
example that demonstrates your work ethic and diligence.
Portfolio reflection 9th
What I have learned about myself this year and where I think I am going.
SOPHOMORE
Personal statement
DEALING WITH ADVERSITY: Describe the most significant challenge you
have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge. Include
whether you turned to anyone in facing the challenge, the role that person
played, and what you learned about yourself.
Portfolio reflection 10th (& 9th with any changes)
What I have learned about myself and how it relates to my life goals.
JUNIOR
Personal statement
KNOWLEDGE or CREATIVITY in a FIELD: Describe any of your special
interests and how you developed knowledge in these areas. Give examples of
your creativity; your ability to see alternatives; take diverse perspectives; come
up with many, varied, or original ideas, or willingness to try new things.
Portfolio reflection 11th (with 9th & 10th with any changes)
What I know about myself, my goals, and my plan to achieve them.
SENIOR
Personal statement
LEADERSHIP/GROUP CONTRIBUTIONS: Describe examples of your
leadership experience and share how you have significantly influenced others,
helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. Consider
responsibilities you have taken for initiatives in or out of school.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Explain what you have done to make your
community a better place to live. Give examples of specific projects in which you
have been involved over time.
HANDLING SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES: Describe your experiences facing or
witnessing discrimination. Tell how you responded and what you learned from

those experiences and how they have prepared you to contribute to your
community.
Portfolio reflection (with 9th, 10th & 11th with any changes)
How I used my Culminating Project to learn, grow, and prepare for the
challenges after high school.