Personal Statement Questions Change for Fall 2008 Application Cycle

The University of California has approved new prompts for the personal statement on the 2008–09 application for undergraduate admission.

Applicants will now be asked to respond to two prompts instead of three, and to use a maximum of 1,000 words total. The first prompt for transfer students remains the same as last year. The "additional comments" box that follows the personal statement has been expanded to 500 words to accommodate information students aren’t able to address sufficiently elsewhere in the application.

In July, University faculty approved the revisions to the prompts with the goal of eliciting from students information that is more helpful in the comprehensive review process.

"We hope that the broadness of the new prompts will result in better essays, and provide a richer understanding of the uniqueness of each applicant," said Susan Wilbur, UC director of undergraduate admissions.

UC evaluators use the personal statement to gain perspective on applicants’ academic accomplishments and personal achievements, and to clarify and fill in gaps in the application information. The personal statement is one of many elements considered in reviewing a prospective student’s application. The prompts were last changed in 2003.

The New Prompts

Here are the new prompts that appear on the 2008–09 UC application for undergraduate admission:

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 — 1,012 words, for example — is fine.

Prompt #1 (Freshman)

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 (Transfer)

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.

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?

:: For more information, visit the Personal Statement page on the UC admissions website.

also in this issue: Admissions

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Application Update
Fall 2008 Application Cycle Set to Begin
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