Personal Statement for my Virginia Tech Application:
prompt: If there is something you think would be beneficial for the Admissions Committee to know as we review your academic history, please take this opportunity to explain. (<250 words)
Statement:
This year has been the best year of my life. I have come a long way to get to this point, and all of my hard work has paid off. In September 2012, I began my high school years as an unconfident, overweight, socially awkward student with an addiction to online video games. The lack of confidence and self-control that stemmed from my unhealthy habits hindered my performance academically and socially.
Throughout my life, people have always told me that I’m intelligent, and I always felt as though they were right. Once I got to high school, however, this feeling of intelligence slowly deteriorated. During my first two years, I attended slightly difficult classes, and only did enough in those classes to maintain a decent average. I didn’t study and rushed through assignments, just to play a meaningless video game and eat junk food.
In my junior year, something inside of me clicked. I had to change my lifestyle. I quit playing games, lost over fifty pounds, and focused on schoolwork. This new lifestyle gave me the confidence I needed to push myself to the limit. My senior year has been my best and most challenging year so far, and I’m taking seven AP classes. Before my metamorphosis, I would have thought this to be impossible. Now, I’m the most successful I’ve ever been, and I’m only looking to push myself even further in college.
Note: Any advice on the actual content? Should I use less contractions? Am I answering the question effectively? Should I even use this prompt?
Thanks in advance!