<p>Hi!</p>
<p>I am a sophomore majoring in International Studies and Business. I'm applying to transfer to Pepperdine, and I need help reviewing my common app personal statement.
Any one out there want to help me out?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>this is the UC transfer forum, try posting in the general transfer forum</p>
<p>I’ve found that a good format for personal statements has direction, and ends with future goals. </p>
<p>Start by explaining your youth and your past. Why didn’t you get into a good school from high school? Why didn’t you try? Then explain what made the drastic change in your life to want to pursue education at the school you chose. </p>
<p>At this point, talk about the present. What actions have you taken to prepare for transfer? What challenges did you face in your current school? How did you overcome them? In this part of the essay, you’re both creating a sentimental moment with tragedy and gloating about your victory over it. “My dog died the day before my finals, but knowing how important my grades were, I studied all night and managed to pass with a 97%.” Something of that sort.</p>
<p>After that, I would talk about what you want to do in the future and why Pepperdine is important for this future. What are you going to do to contribute to society? What do you plan on doing when you’re there? </p>
<p>Those are basic tips but you have to write this thing from the heart. When they look at a personal statement, it tells them something about you they can’t find out from transcripts or letters of recommendation. It tells them, “Hey, this is me. I really want to go to your school and I feel I belong there. Please accept me because this is where I come from and why it’s important to me.”</p>