<p>I'm applying as an anthropology major to Cal and as a psychology major to UCLA (TAP - alternate major anthro). My GPA's 3.97, but I was over confident and took 19 units this semester to finish off all of the requirements, so if I don't apply myself, it's liable to go down to as low as a 3.69. I really want to spend time to write quality personal statements but that means sacrificing time for class. </p>
<p>I've heard that the PS is mostly for borderline cases, which - if I work hard to keep my GPA up - I'm not. It makes me feel horrible for wanting to neglect work, but corners must be cut. In all honesty, if I write less effective essays but keep my grades up, does it jeopardize my application?</p>
<p>Your person statement is going to be less than a page. Just spend a couple hours this weekend and knock it out, then comb over it over the next couple weeks.</p>
<p>UCLA and UCB do comprehensive reviews, so your statement will definitely be taken into consideration. Will it be huge? Probably not, but it will be read and will be taken into account.</p>
<p>I talked to an adcom from UCB recently. She said that the components of a Berkeley admission decision are broken into (roughly) 50% GPA, 35% Personal Statement, and 15% EC. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask her what type of % would guarantee admission, and of course other factors may have some impact, however, it is evident that the PS is very important since it composes approximately 35% of the admission decision. I would recommend utilizing any resources at your CCC that help with personal statements. I know that many TAP members are able to get help from their TAP advisors. It will help create a better PS and probably allow you to do it faster as well.</p>
<p>@darksaber: While I have my doubts about those percentages, You are totally right about TAP. My TAP advisor and I worked on my PS and It has come out beautifully. TAP advisors are very familiar with whet Berkeley wants and how you should answer each prompt.</p>
<p>^Same here, I was in my 4th draft by the time we were done and she turned a 6-7 into a 9-10 in an hour and a half. And I’m about 30 words under the 1000 word limit too! TAP advisors are brilliant</p>
<p>It is a myth that Berkeley or UCLA is all about grades. Grades are very important, however, they are more interested in how you’ve achieved in other ways in your life. Numbers don’t tell much about the applicant. Sure, everyone has a high GPA, but your personal statement is your one shot to tell the readers why you are different from everyone else.</p>
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