<p>LiveTheLimit: A good resource for you at De Anza is to see the rep from UC Davis when he comes to the transfer center (at least it was a he a few years ago). He comes to the campus multiple times every quarter and gives mini seminars every fall on how to write an effective personal statement.</p>
<p>Here’s a hint: If you start with the UC prompt #2 you will already have a good essay for the Common App. For example, The UC prompt #2 is:</p>
<p>“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>
<p>The Newest Common App Prompt (#1 of 6 possible prompts) is:</p>
<p>“Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.”</p>
<p>Just about every university on the Common App requires from 1 to 3 additional personal essays. It will save you a lot of time to focus on these essays and recycle/rewrite the UC prompt #2.</p>