Year after year, students fear writing
their Personal Statement the most. It's the one where rules aren't
completely defined content-wise. Think of it as your interview.
It's the only way to show Admissions who you are because you don't
get the chance to sit and talk for a couple of hours. The
UC system has devised two prompts that narrow down the content
to what they're looking for. The maximum number of words that
can be
used is 1,000 word total. We suggest that you answer one prompt
in
greater length than the other. The suggested breakdown is to have
the
longer response to be at lease 750 words. We also encourage the
the
shorter response be no shorter than 250 words.
People worry so much about their content
that they forget the technicalities... and the truth of the matter
is, some readers might not think positively of a student who was
too "careless" to follow directions. Don't forget:
| The
Technicalities
(for mail-in personal statements)
Submit your personal
statement on 8.5” x 11” white paper.
Use only one side of
each sheet. Please type or use black ink.
In the top right corner
of each page, print your name, Social Security Number and
the words “Personal Statement.”
Indicate clearly which
question you are answering, either by numbering your responses
to match the questions or by repeating the question above
your response to it. (The question will not be counted toward
your word total.)
Make sure your personal
statement is readable — for typed statements, this
means using double-spaced, 12-point type in a common font
(such as Times).
Follow the word-count
guidelines as closely as you can to stay within the 1,000-word
limit, but don’t worry if you run a little over or
under on an individual question (for example, 205 or 199
words is fine).
Proofread your personal
statement very carefully for spelling or grammatical errors.
|
The Prompts!
Prompt #1 (freshman applicants) – Describe the world you
come from – for example, your family, community or school
– and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and
aspirations.
Prompt #2 (all applicants) – Tell
us about a personal quality,
talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important
to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud
and how does it relate to the person you are?
More suggestions and tips on how to write these prompts will be
added shortly!
- Start writing early and revise
your statement several times with intervals in between. Write
in your own voice, speaking honestly about yourself and where
you have come from. UC wants to know who you are. Avoid lists
of accomplishments -- instead explain their relevance to your
life. Support ideas with specific examples.
- Don't repeat information. The personal
statement should be used to communicate information that is
not already evident on the application.
- Be careful with humor. And avoid being
cute! It's safer to be straightforward in tone.
- Remember no single perfect personal
statement exists. There is only the Personal Statement that
is right for the person submitting it.
- PASS is available to read and
give feedback on personal statements if you give us ample time.
Another words, don't email them to us the night before it's
due! We will also be holding application workshops in the fall.
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