Page 1 of 1
Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:13 pm
by thederangedwang
I don't mean a famous quotation like one by a president or shakespear, I mean a personal quote that somebody once said to me which has affected me profoundly.
I know a "famous" quote is a big no-no
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:14 pm
by Ginj
Ha.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:16 pm
by j12
As I always say, "Never let you quote do for you what you can do for yourself."
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:17 pm
by booboo
I wouldn't recommend it. If I were so inclined to use a quote, however, I would give it a great lead-in.
It is of my opinion that though the first line can set the stage for your application, if you can write a powerful, attention-consuming first paragraph, you're on the way to a great PS.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:18 pm
by Helmholtz
Crap. This thread would have been a lot better if the OP would have just been "no."
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:19 pm
by albusdumbledore
"A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:20 pm
by kublaikahn
Depends on the quote. If it is "Take the last parachute and go!" it probably works. On the other hand, if you are suggesting that a compliment or some wise statement was a life changing event, then I would not use that. Essentially you would be using someone else's words to describe your worldview. Use your own words.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:21 pm
by kaiser
Definitely not. You can easily describe the influence of another without copping out on the introduction by using a quote. It just shows an inability on your part to set the stage and convey the message of the 3rd party. You don't need the actual words at all if you are doing it right.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:24 pm
by Helmholtz
kublaikahn wrote:Depends on the quote.
Frankly, it's so overdone, corny, and cliched, I don't think it can really ever be done effectively.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:33 pm
by glitter178
I quoted Homer Simpson in mine and I stand by that decision.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:47 pm
by puppylaw
People are right to tell you to be careful, but if you can do it well you should. If you think it gives a great start to your essay without succumbing to the pitfalls that often go with using an opening quote, go for it.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 2:43 pm
by sold123
As long as:
A.) The writer knows the quote ain't the main show.
B.) The writer breaks down the quote sufficiently.
C.) The quote leads into the story organically.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 2:52 pm
by Cupidity
j12 wrote:As I always say, "Never let you quote do for you what you can do for yourself."
I hope you haven't used that philosophy in your legal writing.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 5:18 pm
by billyez
sold123 wrote:As long as:
A.) The writer knows the quote ain't the main show.
B.) The writer breaks down the quote sufficiently.
C.) The quote leads into the story organically.
TITCR
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 5:56 pm
by NZA
I used a quote to start my PS, and I did fine.
Honestly, just don't pick a shitty quote and you'll be fine.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 5:57 pm
by vanwinkle
billyez wrote:sold123 wrote:As long as:
A.) The writer knows the quote ain't the main show.
B.) The writer breaks down the quote sufficiently.
C.) The quote leads into the story organically.
TITCR
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 6:08 pm
by drmguy
You should have your answer based on how contentious it is.
Re: Should I Start My Personal Statement with a Quote?
Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 11:12 pm
by sold123
EDIT: Wrong Topic.