The Personal Statement is perhaps the most fluid and least quantifiable element in the scholarship application. Not only does each individual student have his or her own respective style, but quite often different scholarship applications will make specific requests of applicants in the personal statement. For example, a travel grant may ask you to place your personal experience in the context of both the uses of your travel and its relevance to your normal academic program. There is some general advice on writing the personal statement, however. The personal statement is generally one of the most critical factors in the application; through it, the applicant presents the first real solid picture of himself as a person and as a student. The Personal Statement should not simply regurgitate information already contained in transcripts, etc. It should present a picture of you as an individual. A compelling personal statement should help you stand out among other applications. You should use it as an opportunity to explain or contextualize any gaps in the academic record. After reading your personal statement, the scholarship selectors should think of you as the perfect recipient for their award.
For more specific help on writing the personal statement, the Scholarship Connection does offer personal statement workshops in the spring semester specifically for Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell applicants.