Writing Your Personal Statement
How:
Students should write about how the disability has impacted their learning, and how this may be seen in areas such as grade point average, ACT scores, and grade fluctuation.
When:
Students should discuss when they were diagnosed and how that may have impacted their education. For example, if the student was diagnosed later in his or her educational career, did performance improve after the diagnosis and/or intervention? Students may also want to include how frequently they used accommodations, such as using more time on tests, help with notes, or the use of a calculator.
What:
Students should focus on what they did to compensate for their learning differences. Many students say that they "worked very hard" or "overcame" their disability, but this alone is not enough. The review committee will want to know more information about the specifics of what the student did to succeed in high school. Students should note whether or not they used accommodations, worked with a tutor, or used other resources. Students may also wish to focus on what steps they plan to follow in the college/university setting to bolster their success.
Why:
Finally, students need to tell the admissions review committee why they would be a good addition to the UT student body. A student should not be afraid to "toot his or her own horn" during the application process! Students should discuss special talents or skills, personal characteristics or unique qualities that they will bring to UT which will make the campus a more diverse environment.