<p>Up the SAT is correct. Don't make up a fake sob story. If theres one thing more than anything admissions counselors hate, it's sob stories during personal statements. My AP Lit teacher used to be an admissions counselor, and he told us there's 3 D's to avoid: Death, Divorce, and [I think] Destruction or something along those lines. Destruction might not be right, but still, heh heh.</p>
<p>Basically, there are three (for UC schools) personal statements (essays), as well as an additional section to write about "things not covered by your personal statements that you would like the university to know." So in there, you can write if you had any specific hardships, but I'd advise against making them up.</p>