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Writing the UC Essay
The University of California requires essays of applicants for freshman admissions, for undergraduate transfers, and from applicants for grad school. The essay gives schools a look at who you are beyond grades and test scores. It is an important component of your application.
We post the UC essay prompts here as soon as they are available. The UC Essay questions for the entering class of 2011 were:
Write your personal statement in advanceYour personal statement—consisting of responses to two prompts—is your chance to tell us who you are and what's important to you. Think of it as your opportunity to introduce yourself to the people reading your application. Be open, be honest, be real. What you tell us in your personal statement gives readers the context to better understand the rest of the information you've provided in your application.
A couple of tips:# Take time to write, rewrite and edit. # Show it to a teacher, counselor or friend for comments, but make sure the word s you use are your own. # Finally, relax. This is one of many pieces of information we consider in reviewing your application; an admission decision will not be based on your personal statement alone.
Instructions:• Respond to both prompts, using a maximum of 1,000 words total. • You may allocate the word count as you wish. If you choose to respond to one prompt at greater length, we suggest your shorter answer be no less than 250 words. • Stay within the word limit as closely as you can. A little over — 1,005 words, for example — is fine. In 2010, the UC Application contained a third, optional prompt. Optional means required. Write the extra essay.
ESSAY PROMPT #1 FALL 2010 Prompts,
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. 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.
ESSAY 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? Following the personal statement, there's a section called Additional Comments. I recommend using this opportunity to tell more about yourself. Use this space—up to 500 words—to tell us anything you want us to know about you or your academic record that you have not had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in the application. # Follow directions On every page and pop-up, scroll to the bottom to avoid missing any information. # Save your work If you take a break from your application, use the save/logout button to store your work, then log back in. # Review your summary Look for any instance where the summary page says "no information added." If you didn't intend to leave that question blank, click "modify" to go back and fill it in. # Don't forget to click "submit" Your application won't be sent to The UC until you do. # For more personal statement tips...
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