1. Introductory Letter Your Name Teacher English 12, Per. Date 12th W1.3 Structure supporting evidence in a sustained, persuasive, and sophisticated way. Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations. Describe 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?

2. Describe the world you come from and tell how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations. Throughout my high school career, I have always strived to … For example, in my family … Likewise, in my community… Finally, at my school, Citrus Valley High, I … All of these elements have helped shape my dreams and aspirations for the future… Goals – Academic/Career Goals? How do you plan on reaching them? What do you expect from your future employment? Describe a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience: Sports – Activities & successes. Music – Why is performing or writing music important? Passion? Theater – Why your passion for the theater? Film? The arts? Background – Unique? Unusual? Do you speak other languages? Family – What role do you play in your family? Traveling – Travel experience? Community service – Influence? Hardships – Any you’re comfortable talking about? Unusual activities – the Y Circus, extreme sports, The Explorer Program, etc. Introductory Letter 12th W1.3 Structure supporting evidence in a sustained, persuasive, and sophisticated way.

3. THE PERSONAL STATEMENT The University of California Prompt: A.If you are applying to the UC system, you will write an essay totaling 1000 words. B.One essay should be at least 600 words (Your choice of the three prompts) C.The remaining two should be 200 words each. D.Answer the first part of the prompts briefly (apx. 250 words). E.The bulk of the essay should be answering the last part of each prompt. F.They don’t want a resume or lists or for you to simply reiterate your application a)They know your name and your high school b)They know what classes you have taken and your grades c)They know what awards you have listed d)They know what activities you have listed G.Don’t write to a particular UC H.No single perfect general personal statement format exists. There is only the personal statement that is right for the person submitting it. Question #1 (FRESHMAN APPLICANTS) A.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. Question #2 (ALL APPLICANTS) A.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? Analysis and reflection are key to this assignment! Ask yourself: A.What talent, experience, contribution, or personal quality best expresses my character? B.What about ME deserves further explanation? C.How does my experience and personality define my ability to contribute?

4. THE PERSONAL STATEMENT Suggested outline: A.Paragraph 1 – Write about who you are a)Describe yourself, focus on facts that would be relevant to an employer of college recruiter (so don’t write about your favorite color or the names of your pets). B.Paragraph 2 – Write about your strengths, talents, and qualities a)Use at least three strong adjectives to describe yourself and then give examples of why those words best describe you. C.Paragraph 3 – Write about your accomplishments and/or experiences a)What have you done in your personal or academic life that makes you a person worth hiring or recruiting? Examples; sports, jobs, clubs, theater, art, home life, music, languages, traveling, community service, etc. D.Paragraph 4 – Write about your career goals a)What would you like to do? Why do you want to do this? Why do you think you would be good at this job? E. Paragraph 5 (Optional) – Write about anything else that makes you unique or special

5. STUDENT SAMPLE (apx 450 words): It has always been my ambition in life to do something big, something that will make a positive impact to the world, something that people will converse about centuries later, and something to engrave my name into the history books. To prepare myself for an extraordinary life, at age 15, I chose the unconventional path of attending college while completing my high school career. To support myself, I have worked for two persistent years and am still currently employed at Johnson’s Food Store. Because I appreciate the responsibility that citizens of a community have towards each other, in my spare time, I regularly volunteer to coach the future generations of our country in basketball at the YMCA and although it is sometimes challenging, to be a positive role model and teach kids something new is highly rewarding. Of course in my school, Citrus Valley High, I have taken the reputable courses that have enriched me personally with valuable knowledge that is essential to be successful in college and in life in general. My life experiences have thus prepared me to take the next career step forward, which is to attend a four year university whereupon I will further explore the fields of pre-law, business, political science and public policy, journalism, graphic design, music and entertainment. I have a strong interest in all of these areas and look forward to sharpening my skills as I narrow down my career goals in college. Originally from Mexico, I am able speak two languages and have had the opportunity on several occasions to travel outside of the country. Doing so has exposed me to and helped me to identify with the various cultural viewpoints, perspectives and values that our world is comprised of. Likewise, as a high school student, I have been a productive member of the student body and have participated in my school’s football program and a range of diverse school clubs including Blackhawk TV, Mocktrial, Fashion Club, MECHA, and Key Club. Each of these experiences has taught me the importance of hard work and dedication, along the significance of making deadlines, being a team player, and communicating well with others. I am a now a true collaborator and can become a leader as well when called on to lead. As an employee, I am a responsible and tireless worker. I have thus learned the importance of moving forward in life, as I was unfortunate enough to have dealt with the death of my father at a young age. Even still, each decision that I have made and continue to make and every experience I have had has fundamentally changed the person I have become. As a result, I truly feel now that I am ready to achieve greatness in life. I am therefore fully prepared the future and ready to rise above the rest as a productive member of society.