Section X: The Personal Statement

The personal statement is an important part of your application for admission. There are limitations to what grades and test scores can tell the University about an applicant. The University uses your statement to learn more about you as an

individual — your talents, experiences, achievements and points of view. Think of the personal statement as your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions officers and faculty who will be evaluating your application. What would you

like us to know about you that may not be evident from a review of the rest of your application?

Your personal statement should reflect your own ideas and be written by you alone. Write in a natural style, so that your answer conveys who you are. 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 not usually persuasive.

The personal statement is required of all applicants.

• Applicants should respond to all three short-answer questions below using a total of 1,000 words.
  
  
• Two of your answers must be limited to approximately 200 words each. A third question should be given an extended answer of at least 600 words. You may choose which question to answer at more length. (A rationale is provided with each question to help you understand what the University is looking for in your response.)
  
  
• Stay within the 1,000-word-count guidelines as closely as you can. It is acceptable if you run a little over or under on an individual question (for example, 205 or 199 words is fine on your 200-word responses).
  
  
• Under Question 1, make sure to answer the version that matches your applicant level (freshman or transfer). DAP applicants must answer the freshman question.

• Use 8.5'' x 11'' white paper for your personal statement. Use only one side of each sheet . Write in black ink or type using double-spaced, 2-point type in a common font (such as Times). Indicate clearly which question you are answering, either by numbering your responses to match the questions or by repeating the question above your response. (The question will not be counted toward your word total.)
  
  
• In the top right corner of each page, print your name, Social Security Number and the words “Personal Statement.”

1. Academic Preparation
   
   Rationale: The University seeks to enroll students who take initiative in pursuing their education (for example, developing a special interest in science, language or the performing arts; or becoming involved in special programs including summer enrichment programs, research or academic development programs such as EAOP, MESA , Puente, COSMOS or other similar programs). This question seeks to understand a student's motivation and dedication to learning.
   
   Freshman and DAP applicants only:How have you taken advantage of the educationalopportunities you have had to prepare for college?
   
   Transfer applicants only: What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the field 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.
   
   
2. Potential to Contribute
   
   Rationale: UC welcomes the contributions each student brings to the campus learning community. This question seeks to determine an applicant's academic or creative interests and potential to contribute to the vitality of the University. Tell us about a talent, experience, contribution or personal quality you will bring to the University of California .
   
   
3. Open-ended
   
   Rationale: This question seeks to give students the opportunity to share important aspects of their schooling or their lives — such as their personal circumstances, family experiences and opportunities that were or were not available at their school or college — that may not have been sufficiently addressed elsewhere in the application. . Is there anything you would like us to know about you or your academic record that you have not had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in this application?

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