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<p>I’m not sure what this means exactly. If by ‘interview’ it means that this essay will merely repeat information about the candidate available elsewhere (i.e. the brag sheet or recommendations), I would avoid this form. My philosophy on the personal statement is that it should go beyond what is already stated. By describing what the candidate stands for in a way that no other piece of the application can, it should shift the way the application is viewed–from a academic profile to a real person. </p>
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<p>This form is better, but not the best. The personal statement is not a supplementary creative writing sample, so it should not be treated as such. While “showing” and not “telling” is always good, the personal statement will need elements of the latter. If it focuses too much on purely “showing,” it will take what the writer wishes to convey as self-evident to the reader. This is treading on dangerous territory. There needs to be some element of explication, however minimal. </p>
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<p>This is the best form to me and the only one that I teach. Of course, I always make my students go beyond the ‘how did this impact me.’ I want them to focus on the ‘how did they impact the situation,’ as again, the resolution to conflict is what gives the writer an opportunity to showcase their character and value. </p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>