Round Lake counselors, presenters give seniors step-by-step personal-statement guidance

Round Lake High School college and career counselor Mrs. Noonan and two presenters, Emma and Marcus, offered seniors practical guidance on writing the college personal statement, emphasizing authenticity, specific detail and revision. "Writing a powerful personal essay isn't about impressing admission offices. It's about revealing your authentic self through a meaningful story of growth and self discovery," Mrs. Noonan said.

The session outlined why the personal statement matters: it gives admissions representatives a sense of applicants' character and perspective beyond grades and test scores. "The personal statement is like your application's secret weapon," Emma said, adding that it "fills in the blanks that grades and test scores can't capture." Marcus advised students not to overreach stylistically: "Write like a high school senior. Don't try to sound overly sophisticated. Use your natural language and be honest about your experiences."

Presenters recommended concrete steps for students: choose a prompt that genuinely resonates; pick stories that reveal character depth; demonstrate personal growth and self-reflection; use vivid details and strong verbs; avoid clichés and repeating a résumé; and proofread carefully. "Pro tip, write like a high school senior," Marcus said. Mrs. Noonan reiterated an organizational tip: "Bring your essay full circle. Connect your ending back to your beginning in a fresh, meaningful way."

The presenters also stressed technical polish. "Spelling and grammar mistakes can impact the message and story you are trying to convey," Emma said, advising students to ask another reader to check their essays. The session closed with a directional note: students who want help should contact Round Lake High School counselors and teachers for support. "If you need support with your college essay, make sure to reach out to your Round Lake High School counselors and teachers," Marcus said.

The presentation was a concise, practical guide rather than a policy discussion; no formal actions or decisions were taken during the session.