A strong personal statement is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or level of education. If a writer uses jargon that is not widely understood, they risk alienating the reader and appearing arrogant or out-of-touch. More importantly, though, using jargon can be dangerous because it can hide the writer’s true intentions or motivations. If a writer uses jargon to mask their lack of knowledge or experience, they risk being caught out and losing the reader’s trust.

While jargon may seem like a short-cut to making a personal statement seem more professional, the dangers of using it far outweigh any potential benefits. Personal statements should be clear, concise, and accessible to all readers. By avoiding jargon, writers can ensure that their true personalities and motivations shine through, and that their personal statements are effective in capturing the reader’s attention and interest.

Go beyond deploying a phrase like “leverage” by asking follow-up questions so that you can give specificity, clarity, and interesting details. In other words, when you merely say that you want to “leverage” a particular resource, relationship, or opportunity, you are using jargon to avoid filling in the details. How will you leverage it? Why this resource? What concretely does it provide you? Etc. The difference between a boring personal statement and a compelling one is often in how well it conveys these minor details.

Details make your vision seem real, and not just a vague pipe dream. Details make you seem like a three-dimensional personal and not a flat essay designed to sound “businessy.” Details gives your life, aspirations, and qualifications flavor, texture, and nuance.

My contrast, jargon separates you from your reader. Jargon makes the details hard to access. Jargon makes you seem like a JAG… Just Another Guy/Gal. In other words, jargon is boring and ineffective.

For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

@gurufi_admissions

Avoid corporate lingo in your #mba #personalstatement by avoiding lingo and getting specific. Jargon kills storytelling! #mbaadmission #writingtips

♬ original sound – Gurufi