New Personal Statement Prompts

We know you early birds are out there. You're the ones who logged on to the UC application website when it first became available a few weeks ago. You've already completed the application; drafted, edited and re-edited your Personal Statement; and are just waiting to finally submit it when November 1 rolls around. We commend you for staying on top of things!

As for the rest of you (and believe me, I was one of you eight years ago), you might not have even thought about your application, much less the Personal Statement. But did you know that the UC application features new Personal Statement prompts for freshman and transfer applicants this year? I know, we just threw a wrench in your operations, didn't we? Well, have no fear. We're essentially looking for the same information as in previous years, but the new prompts guide you better than before.

Just to refresh your memory, this is what you're working with this year:

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 #1 (transfer applicants)   

What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field — such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities — and what you have gained from your involvement.

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?

Yes, we've done away with the open ended prompt. Yes, you must answer both prompts listed for your applicant class. No, you may not answer previous years' prompts. You'll be comforted to know that you may split your 1,000 words between both prompts however you wish (although we ask that they be no shorter than 250 words), and if you exceed the word limit by a dozen words or so, it's not the end of the world.

So what are we looking for? Quite simply, we want to see what makes you tick. Who are you? Where do you come from? What don't we already know about you by reading the rest of the application? Don't merely list your classes and extracurricular activities. We want you to show us why they are important and how they connect with your intended course of study.

It is equally important to you give yourself plenty of time to draft and edit your Personal Statement. While the holistic review process ensures that no single section of the application is more important that the other, think of the Personal Statement as your one opportunity to speak to us in a way the rest of your application doesn't.

Now get to work! I've given you tips, now it's your turn to put them into practice. Remember: the application deadline for fall 2008 admissions is November 30. Don't wait until the last minute or else you might find yourself frustrated with a slow and overloaded server.

Good luck, and we look forward to reading your apps!

Comments

[Tasha]

my high school counselor told me that UCLA and Berkely no longer accepted transfer students from community colleges starting from this year(the seniors applying this year). I'm guessing this isn't true? (The UC website doesn't say because this new rule was implemented just recently, and the website was last updated Feb 2007).

[Jennifer McLean]

Does anyone have a personal statement from a current UCLA student that they can send me? I want to read some to see what kind of structure they used and how it should flow. Also, to see how they managed to successfully describe who they are in only 1,000 words!

[Marisela]

Jennifer:
We encourage you to view our website, which provides guidelines and suggestions for writing a personal statement.
www.admissions.ucla.edu/Prospect/PerStmt.htm

[Shrey Prakash Patel]

Hello,

I was wondering, is it possible to transfer into a 4 year university, let's say UCLA, from another 4 year university such as UCR? Is it much harder than transferring from a community college or is it about the same? I had always wondered that and I would appreciate it if you answered my question. Thanks so much.

And the thing you said about not procrastinating, you're so right. I'm so glad I have already started on my personal statement about 1 month ago because I knew it would have been difficult for me to write it in such a short time. My other friends in school are just starting it right now and they're so stressed out. Anyways, thanks for all of the information, it is really helpful. Thanks again and I hope you can answer my question.

Sincerely,
Shrey Prakash Patel

[Marisela]

Shrey: Great questions! First, it is possible to transfer into UCLA (I can only speak for UCLA) from another 4-year university. However, please consider that California community college students are given first priority in the transfer application process. For more specific information regarding transfer admissions, please visit www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr.htm.

[letting]

What is the last day that I should submit the UC application? I know the deadline is November 30th but what is the absolute latest that I should submit it considering the slow down of the website that happens near the deadline?

[msm]

The last day to submit a UC application was November 30. After that date, the online site no longer accepts applications.

Well I now know when I need to be ready for my kid in 2010. I attended years ago and just love the school keep up the good work!