How do I make my personal statement effective and compelling?

Question

I'm an international student applying to universities in the US. I know that personal statements should be unique and should stand out, but I'm lost as to which aspect I should emphasize about myself that will set me apart from the other applicants. So basically, what are the things or certain qualities that the admission officer might appeal to? How do I make my essay effective?

Here are some of the experiences that I'm choosing from to mention or elaborate:

1. Moving to the US at the age of 9 and moving back to China when I was 13, and excelling in the schools of both places.

2. Attended the Duke University TIP summer program. Had taken the SAT in the 7th grade and got 1180 out of 1600.

3. After moving back to China: Founder and host of the school broadcasting station, journalist for a couple of newspapers, represented Austria in the UN-ESRDC of Model United Nations, etc

Which one do you think would be the best to write about?

Plz help ………… thanks so very much

Answer 1

What subject are you applying for? Try and elaborate on the experience which links best to that subject.

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