Questions about personal statements

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armydaughter

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My son called the admissions office today regarding an application question. While speaking to the admissions officer, it was strongly "suggested" that he complete the candidate statements as soon as possible. DS's original plan was to work on those after school started so he could have his English teacher proof them. But now they are moving up in the priority list. :smile:

Where do these statements factor into the weighting of the overall application?

Are they looking for creative writing exercises like some of the college applications are (informal tone, personal connection, pull on heart strings) or is it better to stick with a more formal academic writing style?

Any other tips?
 
armydaughter,

I have been working in the admissions business for several years and I STRONGLY SUGGEST - that you complete your file as soon as possible or even sooner. It is a GREAT advantage to complete your file early. WP does a rolling admission process so early file completers have a better chance of admission. Also, candidates that complete their files early make a VERY POSITIVE impression on the admissions officers - they are labeled as "go getters" who really want to go to WP. Another advantage. At some point you will be asked to undergo a physical exam. Taking this exam early gives you more time in case a medical waiver is need in some area.

Do not wait on anything. Make sure the school officials quickly send in the transcripts, teachers recomendations, and activities report.These officials will be overcome with students wanting their time and attention. Make sure you hand-carry these documents to the school officials and impress on them the importance of completing these forms NOW or in the NEAR future. An example, my son had trouble getting the school to send his transcripts. The responsible person kept making promises but not delivering. My son went to an Academic Advisor and asked for help. She sent the transcripts to WP 15 minutes later. Be aggressive. Make it easy on the officials by providing stamped envelops, FAX numbers etc. Give the teachers a resume for their use in writing their recommendations.

Complete your candidates statements this week. There are no tricks - just honest, straightforward, sincere, well written statements. These will be graded by Army people - not english teachers. Have the statements reviewed for grammer and spelling but they do not need to be cute or clever. Just write from the heart.

You wll get a lot of good advice on this site - this is the BEST ADVICE YOU WILL GET.
 
Last edited:
Senior year of high school is filled with many distractions. Tell your son to jump on the personal statements now and complete them. Anytime Admissions "suggests" you do something, do it immediately!

Also, tell him NOT to over-think them---like BigNick said, honest and straightforward. Tell him to sit down and write them, offer to proofread, but this is something that he needs to think about and do himself. Definitely don't wait to have an English teacher look at them!

I would complete everything possible before school starts.
 
BigNick said:
armydaughter,

I have been working in the admissions business for several years and I STRONGLY SUGGEST - that you complete your file as soon as possible or even sooner. It is a GREAT advantage to complete your file early. WP does a rolling admission process so early file completers have a better chance of admission. Also, candidates that complete their files early make a VERY POSITIVE impression on the admissions officers - they are labeled as "go getters" who really want to go to WP. Another advantage. At some point you will be asked to undergo a physical exam. Taking this exam early gives you more time in case a medical waiver is need in some area.

Do not wait on anything. Make sure the school officials quickly send in the transcripts, teachers recomendations, and activities report.These officials will be overcome with students wanting their time and attention. Make sure you hand-carry these documents to the school officials and impress on them the importance of completing these forms NOW or in the NEAR future. An example, my son had trouble getting the school to send his transcripts. The responsible person kept making promises but not delivering. My son went to an Academic Advisor and asked for help. She sent the transcripts to WP 15 minutes later. Be aggressive. Make it easy on the officials by providing stamped envelops, FAX numbers etc. Give the teachers a resume for their use in writing their recommendations.

Complete your candidates statements this week. There are no tricks - just honest, straightforward, sincere, well written statements. These will be graded by Army people - not english teachers. Have the statements reviewed for grammer and spelling but they do not need to be cute or clever. Just write from the heart.

You wll get a lot of good advice on this site - this is the BEST ADVICE YOU WILL GET.
Click to expand...

Thanks Nick,

The person at admissions did say that once these statements were in, my son would receive his information regarding the medical exam.

Just one follow-up question. You mentioned hand-carrying the transcript and reference requests. My son input the contact information into the portal for the transcripts and teacher evaluations. He also sent emails to the dean of students (who does the transcripts) and the teachers to give them a heads-up. The portal shows that WP sent an email. I didn't know there was a "hard copy" way to do this. How would I get the paper forms to take them personally to the school?

Since the teachers aren't there until the 2nd week of school, the link is probably faster for them. But the dean is in the office all summer and DS is taking him the transcript request for ROTC (Plan B). It would be easier for him, probably, to do them together.
 
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