I thought it may be nice to start a thread for next year’s transfer students about personal statements that worked. I know when I was filling out my application, this gave me the most anxiety.
Not all schools care, but some schools do have the “holistic approach” which will let a 3.5 zoom past a 4.0 because of ECs and Personal Statements.
So for those of you who got into UCLA/Berkeley (or another holistic approach school), what would you say worked about your personal statements, and what made them special?
You don’t need to post or even summarize them (if you dont want), just state what it is that you think stood out.
I got into Haas just yesterday and the main point I made was the obstacles I have had since I immigrated to US. For example: I came here in 2009 with $700, one backpack, and zero English. I have 2 full time jobs and my family, which I have to support (wife and a child). And by heaving all of that I was able to maintain my GPA in 3.9 range. So, my point is if you want to wright about your life difficulties don’t forget to wright how you were able to overcome them and succeed.
…Spelling is also very important. Though perfect grammar and spelling are not what the admission officers look for, they are still very crucial because, first of all, they have to understand what you are trying to tell them. If you are not native speaker, ask someone to proof read it at least once. I think because of my major and my gpa, my personal statements didnt weigh much, but I did spend time on them.
I got into both Cal and UCLA.
I don’t think my essay’s grammar was that great because I didn’t let anyone proofread it.
But one thing I did well was tying my extracurricular activities with my essay. And I felt that my essay was real honest about myself, didn’t really try to sell myself.
TL;DR Basically my essay was real genuine, didn’t have the common hardship cliche. Wrote about common everyday activities and tied it together well.
I haven’t started my UC application but everyone on this forum talks about an essay. When I check the application online all I see is that we have to answer 4 questions with a 350 character limit. Is this the essay and personal statement that everyone on this forum speaks of or is there additional essays?
@ImTryingMyBest1 Yup, those are the essays we are talking about.