One of the most important requirements for admission to top universities in the US is your personal essay. A well-crafted personal essay can help you stand out from a sea of competitors, increasing your chances of admission and securing scholarships. However, where to begin? Here are some tips for crafting an original and engaging personal essay.

First off, make sure that you have chosen a topic that best represents who you are and what drives you. It’s important to pick a subject that is both relevant and impactful, such as an experience or life event that has shaped your perspective. This will be the foundation of your essay, so make sure you spend time exploring it in depth.

When writing your essay, avoid generic language or phrases such as ‘I am passionate about’ or ‘I believe in’ - these statements will come off as unoriginal and could lead to reduced credibility with admissions boards. Instead, focus on creating something unique which shows the real you.

In addition to being genuine and original, it’s important to ensure that your essay is easy to follow and understand. Write concisely while sticking to the main point without overloading readers with unnecessary information or long-winded sentences. To make sure it flows naturally, try reading it out loud - this will help reveal any awkward phrasing or grammar mistakes which need editing.

Crafting a meaningful personal essay requires careful consideration and research into the program you are applying for. You’ll need to do your best to articulate why you are a good fit for the program, and how your unique experiences can enrich the learning environment.

Beyond academics, it’s important to demonstrate that you are a person of character- a student who will make the most of their time on campus. Showing involvement in extracurricular activities, community outreach and leadership roles can help to distinguish you from other applicants.

It's also important to remember that personal essays need to be original and honest. You should avoid generic language or phrases and focus on crafting something that reflects the real you.

Additionally, make sure to proofread your essay multiple times before submitting it, as this will help ensure that it’s free of errors and mistakes.

Finally, don’t forget to proofread multiple times before submitting! Having someone else read through it is also a great way to check for potential errors or typos that may have been overlooked earlier on.