1 The Personal Statement: Strategies for Writing an Effective Essay

2 Topics to be Discussed Purpose of the personal statement in UC admissions and what it includes UC Comprehensive Review Instructions and Prompts Writing strategies for students

3 Purpose of the Personal Statement Part of UC’s comprehensive review processPart of UC’s comprehensive review process Opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions and scholarship officers reading your applicationOpportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions and scholarship officers reading your application Provides information that might not be evident in other parts of your applicationProvides information that might not be evident in other parts of your application

4 Purpose of the Personal Statement Allows you to make the best case for why you should be admitted to the UC schools of your choiceAllows you to make the best case for why you should be admitted to the UC schools of your choice Helps determine the differences between applicants whose academic records appear to be quite similar.Helps determine the differences between applicants whose academic records appear to be quite similar.

5 What Personal Statements Often Include A discussion of your academic record, accomplishments and activitiesA discussion of your academic record, accomplishments and activities An explanation of any unusual circumstances, challenges, or hardships you have faced and the ways in which you have overcome and responded to themAn explanation of any unusual circumstances, challenges, or hardships you have faced and the ways in which you have overcome and responded to them An analysis of your achievements in light of the opportunities available to youAn analysis of your achievements in light of the opportunities available to you

6 UC Comprehensive Review- Academic 50 – 75% Selection based on academic achievement and promise50 – 75% Selection based on academic achievement and promise  GPA in A – G classes  Scores on SAT Reasoning or ACT & SAT Subject  # of courses, and performance, beyond required A – G classes  Quality of senior year program  Quality of academic performance relative to the education opportunities available of secondary school  Recent marked improvement in academic performance

7 UC Comprehensive Review 25 – 50% Selection based on potential to contribute to educational environment and intellectual vitality25 – 50% Selection based on potential to contribute to educational environment and intellectual vitality  Special talents, achievements and award in particular field  Completion of special project undertaken at school, community organization, educational institutions, or private firms  Academic accomplishment in spite of life experiences and special circumstances

8 Instructions and Prompts

9 Instructions Two questionsTwo questions You will respond to both questions.You will respond to both questions.  A maximum of 1,000 words total  Students should stay within the word limit as closely as they can. A little over—1,012 words, for example—is fine. Students choose length of each response.Students choose length of each response.  If they choose to respond to one prompt at greater length, it is suggested the shorter answer be no less than 250 words.

10 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. 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

11 Prompt #1 Choose one topic (family, community, or school) or choose one theme to connect all three topicsChoose one topic (family, community, or school) or choose one theme to connect all three topics The majority of your response should be the description of your world, but place more emphasis on the second half – how it has shaped your dreams and aspirationsThe majority of your response should be the description of your world, but place more emphasis on the second half – how it has shaped your dreams and aspirations Explain how your world has influenced your development as a student, or as a personExplain how your world has influenced your development as a student, or as a person

12 Prompt #2 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? 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?

13 Prompt #2 You might want to think about answering this prompt first if it helps to establish the context you wish to describe in Prompt #1.You might want to think about answering this prompt first if it helps to establish the context you wish to describe in Prompt #1. Choose a topic that has not been addressed in another section of the applicationChoose a topic that has not been addressed in another section of the application Keep the information relative to your personal experiencesKeep the information relative to your personal experiences

14 Additional Comments Use Additional Comments box for clarification, expansion on important detailsUse Additional Comments box for clarification, expansion on important details (New) Describe anything else that you have not had the opportunity to include elsewhere in your application.(New) Describe anything else that you have not had the opportunity to include elsewhere in your application.  500-word limit

15 A Message From UC Faculty While it is acceptable to receive feedback or helpful suggestions, applicants’ personal statements should reflect their own ideas and be written by them alone.While it is acceptable to receive feedback or helpful suggestions, applicants’ personal statements should reflect their own ideas and be written by them alone.

16 Writing Strategies for Students

17 Personal Statement: Writing for College College Unknown audience: Students write for a community of scholars.Unknown audience: Students write for a community of scholars. Writer-determined topics: Students choose the topics.Writer-determined topics: Students choose the topics. Dig deep: Analysis and reflection are key.Dig deep: Analysis and reflection are key. Personal Statement Personal Statement Unknown audience Unknown audience Writer-determined topics Writer-determined topics Analytical and reflective response Analytical and reflective response

18 Tips and Techniques Start early.Start early.  Allow time for reflection, thoughtful preparation, and revision. Choose a topic for each essay.Choose a topic for each essay.  Look critically at the information in your application: your grades, awards, activities and work experience, family and income.  Anticipate questions an admissions evaluator will have after reading your application. The personal statement is your opportunity to answer those questions.   Students are encouraged to write about special circumstances that have influenced their educational experience

19 Some Suggested Topics Personal triumphs or challenges (explain what you learned in spite of them)Personal triumphs or challenges (explain what you learned in spite of them) Experiences outside the classroom that have made an impact on youExperiences outside the classroom that have made an impact on you Culture (family, school, or community) and how it has influenced who you areCulture (family, school, or community) and how it has influenced who you are Disabilities (talk about them in the context of your ability to succeed)Disabilities (talk about them in the context of your ability to succeed)

20 Tips and Techniques Compose your personal statement in a word-processing program.Compose your personal statement in a word-processing program.  Don't type it directly into the application. This way, you will have the opportunity to print copies for review. Write in a natural style.Write in a natural style.  Present your information and ideas in a focused, thoughtful and meaningful manner. Support your ideas with specific examples. A personal statement that is simply a list of qualities or accomplishments is usually not persuasive.

21 Tips and Techniques Proofread.Proofread.  In addition to checking your spelling, be sure your grammar is correct and your essays read smoothly. Solicit feedback.Solicit feedback.  Your personal statement should reflect your own ideas and be written by you alone, but others-- family and teachers--can offer valuable suggestions.

22 Tips and Techniques Copy and paste.Copy and paste.  Once you are satisfied with your essays, save them in plain text (ASCII) and paste them into the space provided in the application. Proofread once more to make sure no odd characters or line breaks have appeared. Final SuggestionsFinal Suggestions  Be clear. Be focused. Be organized.  Be careful with humor and cliches.  Avoid a lot of quotes  Don’t overemphasize hardship.

23 Steps to Writing an Effective Personal Statement Steps to Writing an Effective Personal Statement Gather Information Read Critically Develop Topic and Thesis Draft, Get Feedback, Revise