With college application deadlines fast approaching, the senior DP cohort at Roberto Clemente Community Academy is in the process of finalizing their personal statements to submit alongside their applications. Students have selected at least 10 schools to apply to, prioritizing them based on their selectivity rating, and matched with student scores on the ACT and GPAs. One student in particular, Karina Luz (center of photo), is excited to be applying to Michigan State University. Her personal statement focuses on her interest in reducing the crime rate in Chicago by going to school to study Criminal Justice. Michigan State offers majors in Criminal Justice, with courses like Forensic Science, Cyber Security, Police Administration, and Homeland Security.
Michigan State University is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. Its total student body enrollment is around 50,000, and they offer both undergraduate and graduate programs. For students applying, the school accepts 66% of all applicants, their average ACT score is a 26 (though they regularly accept students with a 23 and higher), and the average GPA for incoming freshman starts at a 3.62.
When applying to colleges and universities such as Michigan State, providing a personal statement can help school admissions counselors get to know the applicants better. Personal statements highlight key qualities of the applicant and provide some insight into student backgrounds, struggles, successes, and interests. The more creative they are, the more likely the application is going to be remembered and considered. Oftentimes, these statements help students get accepted into schools whose academic requirements exceed the student scores. They also provide a great foundation that can be adapted to apply to other schools who require specific essay responses, and scholarship programs.