March 17, 2017

Personal Statement: The First Sentence

In writing any paper, the first sentence creates the first impression - it must be carefully constructed and engaging.

For the Fulbright ETA, and probably other programs or scholarships, you are required to write a personal statement and a statement of grant purpose.

In my Scholarship Funding course, we examined the sample essay below and extracted what and what not to do.
The first sentence here is ineffective. Avoid broad generalizations. You can find a more genuine way to introduce yourself or your topic! If you can remove the first sentence and still read the paper coherently, then it's not working.

Most of the time the evaluators will impose a word limit; avoiding vague sentences will maximize your word count.

Don't start with a question. This became my rule of thumb after 3rd grade. Of course, this is still a stylistic choice, but it's not one for me. You can start by answering your question.

Don't start with a quote. Likely, the evaluators will think that you couldn't think of anything better. This ties to the some chord of being genuine; find your own words to express yourself!

And get personal from the bat. There's nothing wrong with that! The purpose of your personal statement or statement of grant purpose is to explain why you are unique and deserving.

'Perfect' first sentences take time. Sometimes, they will come naturally and take advantage of that! Otherwise, don't be afraid to write and rewrite... and rewrite. 


*Disclaimer: Of course these are my opinions and are in no way perfect or completely right. I just want to share what I've learned, what I like to read, and what I find effective.





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