UC ApplicationUC ApplicationPersonal StatementPersonal Statement

Facts and TipsFacts and Tips

Comprehensive ReviewComprehensive ReviewThe process campuses use to select students The process campuses use to select students for admission when the number of eligible for admission when the number of eligible applicants exceeds available spaces.applicants exceeds available spaces.

During evaluation, all campuses place high During evaluation, all campuses place high importance on academic achievement.importance on academic achievement.

Evaluation process and weight of each factor Evaluation process and weight of each factor vary by campus.vary by campus.

InstructionsInstructionsRespond to both prompts, using a maximum of 1,000 words total.Respond to both prompts, using a maximum of 1,000 words total.

Allocate word count as desired. An applicant may wish to respond to one Allocate word count as desired. An applicant may wish to respond to one prompt at greater length; suggest that shorter answer be no shorter than prompt at greater length; suggest that shorter answer be no shorter than 250 words.250 words.

Stay within the word limit as anything over 1,000 will result in an error Stay within the word limit as anything over 1,000 will result in an error message.message.

Use a word processing program to compose essays, then copy and paste Use a word processing program to compose essays, then copy and paste them into the form fields. Remove any special formatting before you copy them into the form fields. Remove any special formatting before you copy and paste.and paste.

Only use standard American English characters (numbers 0 through 9 and Only use standard American English characters (numbers 0 through 9 and letters a through z) and symbols found on a standard English keyboard.letters a through z) and symbols found on a standard English keyboard.

No accented characters or foreign language characters are allowed.No accented characters or foreign language characters are allowed.

Personal Statement Prompt #1Personal Statement Prompt #1

Describe the world you come Describe the world you come from — for example, your from — for example, your family, community or school — family, community or school — and tell us how your world has and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and shaped your dreams and aspirations.aspirations.

Personal Statement Prompt #2Personal Statement Prompt #2

Tell us about a personal quality, Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person and how does it relate to the person you are?you are?

Additional Comments (Optional)Additional Comments (Optional)

Use this space to tell us anything else you Use this space to tell us anything else you want us to know about you and your want us to know about you and your academic record that you have not had the academic record that you have not had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in this opportunity to describe elsewhere in this application. Limit your response to 550 application. Limit your response to 550 words or less.words or less.

Other Tips Other Tips

Keep records of resume, awards, Keep records of resume, awards, certificates accessible for reference.certificates accessible for reference.Ask people that know you and donAsk people that know you and don’’t know t know you proofread and provide feedback.you proofread and provide feedback.Be genuine - your tone and Be genuine - your tone and ““voicevoice”” will will showshowUtilize resources(College Counselor/Office)Utilize resources(College Counselor/Office)

The Personal Statement: The Personal Statement: Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts

Start early, get feedback, and REVISE!Start early, get feedback, and REVISE!Define your motivation/momentum in Define your motivation/momentum in topics you are passionate abouttopics you are passionate aboutDecisions are never made on the personal Decisions are never made on the personal statement alonestatement alone