<p>I believe in the UC system the essays applicants have to write are called "personal statements" correct?</p>
<p>Question for my S, so he knows how to schedule all his work for applications. I an aware that the "form application" for the UCs is just one form that can be used to apply to one or all nine UC campuses.</p>
<p>He is thinking of applying to Cal, LA and San Diego. Will the essays/personal statement for these also be ONE form, or will he need to/is it advisable to write a separate one for each campus. Do they also have some "Why Cal? Why UCLA? Why UCSD?" type questions.</p>
<p>You can’t write different applications. The application to any and all UC universities is to use the one online UC form, then check boxes for which campuses should be sent a copy. It is one of the challenges facing applicants. If you write “why UCLA” it will also go to UCSD, Cal and the rest you selected. Also, since the different schools have a variety of admissions methods, some of which are very specific and formulaic, an essay for a formulaic school like SD, SC, or Davis should make the case for maximum points on their various criteria, but an essay for UCLA or Cal should be written as you would for an Ivy because those two do a more holistic review. Even with the formulaic schools, you will find they have chosen different factors and different cutoffs, thus the points you might make for UCSD may be irrelevant for the others. Case in point - volunteer hours can be a big plus for UCSD but are not an admissions factor for UCSC and Davis.</p>
<p>There is only one form for the UC campuses, and that form includes the written statements. You will never send anything to an individual campus unless: 1) you are accepted and intend to enroll; 2) you receive a supplementary questionnaire from the campus directly.</p>
<p>There is no opportunity to submit additional documentation outside of the official UC application form, either. None of the UC campuses will accept admissions materials for non-admitted students – the UCOP, the central office for all the UC campuses, handles the receipt of admissions documents and they will not accept anything other than the official form (which means no additional personal statements and no recommendation letters).</p>
<p>My son targeted his personal statement to the UC he most wanted to attend without coming straight out and mentioning that specific UC. Note: some UC campuses invite students who mention special circumstances (medical/learning disabilities/challenges) in their personal statements to complete a supplemental application, which is campus specific and includes a letter of reference.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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?</p>