How long should it take to write my college personal statements?

Answer 1

4 or 5-hrs.

I work with roughly 20 students on their personal statements every year and I've found that it takes about 1hr per draft, with a total of 4 or 5 drafts. So, 4-5hrs total for an essay. That means, in a week, you can have your Ivy League essay or a couple of your UC system essays ready to go!

That being said, I have a very straightforward approach -- some other counselors might prefer that you discover what you want to say through several rough drafts and then patch it up later... It just depends on which process you like.

Answer 2

It all depends on your writing process. I always encourage students to start by brainstorming ideas. Some students have an immediate idea and can write the essay in one sitting. Some, however, like to take their time and jot down different topics first to see where each one may lead. Whatever your process is, be sure to leave sufficient time to proofread and edit. I like to encourage students to return to their writing a day after it is written to look at it with a fresh pair of eyes. When you’re writing in the moment, you may forget some key information that you want to include or may overlook grammatical errors. It’s also best to have another person read it, because what may make sense to you may be confusing to others, so another person could help you be more clear and succinct.

Answer 3

Everyone has a different writing process. Some can write their essays from beginning to end in one sitting. Others (the majority) may start and take some breaks to think about the direction they want their essays to go. The amount of time students take really varies from person to person. I think what is most important is that your essays tell your personal story and highlight your achievements. It is also really important to ask peers/teachers/counselors/wyzant tutors for feedback. Sometimes you may think that a sentence is clear and coherent until you have a second set of eyes tell you otherwise. So make sure to designate ample time for revisions and editing. You want a polished and authentic essay at the end, regardless of how long it takes!