First published September 6, 1996

 “How do you make your life a persuasive argument?”

by Stephen Wilbers

How many times have you had to provide a written account of what you have done with your life?Do you remember what you had to write when you returned to school in the fall? Every year it was the same thing: a 500-word essay on what you had done over the summer. And suddenly, what had been your deliverance became your affliction. Five hundred words? Later, when you applied to college, you had to write a personal statement. But the challenge – not to mention the stakes – was much greater. Now you had to account for what you had done not over the past three months, but over the past three or four years, and you had to present your story as a compellingly persuasive argument that would enhance your chances of being admitted to the college of your choice. In your senior year of college, you had to write another personal statement explaining why you were a desirable candidate for graduate school, or you had to write a letter of application explaining why you were the perfect applicant for the perfect job. Today, with your application for that next great job, with your request for a promotion, or with your summary of achievements and goals that you submit as part of your annual performance assessment, it's more of the same. How do you make the story of your life into a persuasive argument? How do you organize and present your material when the subject is you? Whether you are writing a personal statement or a letter of application, your goals are the same: ■To make a favorable impression ■To distinguish yourself from other applicants ■To accurately reflect your background, experience, and interests In accomplishing these goals, you face these challenges: ■To convey a great deal of information in very limited space ■To present facts and details without sounding as though you are presenting a list ■To go beyond facts to convey warmth and personality ■To write about yourself, your qualities, and your achievements without sounding immodest Here's my advice on how to meet these goals and overcome these challenges: ■Open with a statement or brief paragraph that is engaging but not contrived. A statement such as "I've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time" may get your reader's attention, but "Ever since my dog died I've wanted to become a veterinarian" doesn't cut it. ■Consider organizing your material around one or two principal themes. Tell a story that illustrates, for example, your commitment to hard work, your interest in travel, your openness to new experiences, or your appreciation for other cultures and ways of thinking. ■Don't tell everything. A statement such as "At this point in my undergraduate studies, I have no idea what I want to do" may be honest, but it doesn't advance your case. Emphasize the positive. ■Avoid overly general and clichéd language, such as "had the opportunity," "really excited," and "very interesting experience." Go beyond the general to specific, concrete, detailed support for your statements. ■Make every word count. Write in a style that is both concise and conversational. ■Tie all secondary or subordinate points to your main argument. Make all information and examples relevant. ■Proofread carefully to eliminate any errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Your writing is your most tangible and immediate proof of your competence and ability. ■Show your draft to family, friends, teachers, counselors, or professional associates. Ask for their reactions and suggestions. ■Finally, set your draft aside for a few days and edit it with a fresh eye. What sounds terrific today may not sound so terrific tomorrow. Writing about yourself may not be easy, but remember this: There's no topic you know better.