Crafting a personal statement for college admissions, job applications, or other post-high school programs does not have to be a nightmare. The "Telling My Story" packet describes the key components of successful essays and includes University of California Personal Insight Questions, Common Application Essay Prompts, and Personal Statement Open-ended Questions. The step-by-step plan is designed to enable all applicants to draft their personal interest statements.

Concepts

college preparation, college admissions, career readiness, personal narrative writing, self discipline, social skills, responsibility, career goals

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Instructional Ideas

• To prepare for the unit, instructors should first view the  Educator Guide video
• Instructors may want to create their own personal statement to use as an example
• Provide writers with several examples of personal statements that worked so that they can see the various possible forms

Classroom Considerations

• Part of the College and Career Readiness series
• Although designed for California students, the materials are appropriate for any college, and most job applications
• Applicants require access to computers with an internet connection
• Requires copies
• The "Telling My Story Start-Up" video begins with an app ad

Pros

• The personal interest statements can be used for applications to college as well as different programs and job opportunities
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.W.2 CCRA.W.3 CCRA.W.4 CCRA.W.5