For my personal statement, can I write about being an immigrant or first-gen college student, or is that overdone?

Answer 1

Yes, you can—but it’s all in the how. These stories are powerful when they’re told with nuance and specificity. Instead of centering on general hardship, focus on a defining moment that shaped your perspective on justice, advocacy, or language. The goal is to make your experience feel personal and irreplaceable—not like a template.

If you're not sure how to make your story stand out, I’d be glad to work with you to develop a statement that’s truly your own.