<p>On the UC website it says:</p>
<p>The Personal Statement prompts will change for fall 2008 applicants. Make sure to read the instructions and prompts that apply to the term to which you are applying.</p>
<p>Does that mean that only applies for the class of '09 and beyond?</p>
<p>The Personal Statement</p>
<pre><code>* Instructions and Prompts for Winter/Spring 2008
* Instructions and Prompts for Fall 2008
</code></pre>
<p>In reading your application, we want to get to know you as well as we can. There's a limit to what grades and test scores can tell us so we ask you to write a personal statement.</p>
<p>Your personal statement 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 admissions and scholarship officers 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.</p>
<p>A couple of tips: Read each prompt carefully and be sure to respond to all parts. Use specific, concrete examples to support the points you want to make. 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.</p>
<p>The Personal Statement prompts will change for fall 2008 applicants. Make sure to read the instructions and prompts that apply to the term to which you are applying.
Instructions and Prompts for Winter/Spring 2008</p>
<pre><code>* Respond to all three short-answer questions using a total of no more than 1,000 words. That means that 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 limit as closely as you can. It is acceptable if you run a little over or under on an individual question (for example, a word count of 205 or 199 words is fine on your 200-word responses).
* In question 1, make sure to answer the version that matches your applicant level (freshman or transfer).
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 educational preparation 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 applicants only: How have you taken advantage of the educational opportunities 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 Question
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 Question
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?
</code></pre>
<p>top
Instructions and Prompts for Fall 2008</p>
<pre><code>* 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 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.
Prompt #1 (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.
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
</code></pre>
<p>The people that plan to apply to colleges THIS year are 2008 applicants, right?</p>
<p>Also, I'm wonder about the same question bunny has. Will the prompts change, or are will they stay the same.</p>
<p>Do they say the same thing, that "prompts will change for the the 200x applicants"? Thanks.</p>
<p>Do they say the same thing for every year**, that "prompts will change for the the 200x applicants"? Thanks.</p>
<p>the new prompt affects the class 2008 meaning those apply this fall will have to use the new prompt</p>
<p>no they did not change for this year. On UCLA.edu, it clearly says new personal statements for 2008-2009</p>
<p>Is the new prompt the one the have online, or will the supply a new prompt?</p>
<p>I'm confused, too. UCLA's site says:</p>
<p>
[quote]
The University of California has just approved new prompts for the personal statement of the 2008-09 application for undergraduate admission.
[/quote]
</p>
<p><a href="http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/</a></p>
<p>However, the link they send you to says:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Instructions and Prompts for Fall 2008
[/quote]
</p>
<p>So that could mean a) those who are applying in the fall of 2008, or b) those who are matriculating in fall 2008. The former seems to be more likely, by this statement:</p>
<p>
[quote]
The Personal Statement prompts will change for fall 2008 applicants. Make sure to read the instructions and prompts that apply to the term to which you are applying.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>So, if that's the case, then where are the old prompts? Or are these prompts under "Instructions and Prompts for Fall 2008" for this year's applicants, and the statement at the top is just a warning for those applying fall 2008? I'm really not sure. It doesn't make sense that they'd put the new topics up yet if they weren't for this year's class.</p>
<p>Okay, I'm pretty sure the bolded statement at the top pretty much means, "If you're not a senior this coming year, ignore these prompts because they're going to change for your year."</p>
<p>It's supposed to change for rising seniors. HS Counselor told me in June.</p>