Question about the UC personal statement

Applying to College
1

<p>First off, let me tell you a little about my situation. I have to get started on my essay, and I am having trouble with the first section which asks, "How have you taken advantage of the educational opportunities you have had to prepare for college?"</p>

<p>Now, here's the thing. In High School, I don't really think that I have taken advantage of alot of the educational opportunities. Throughout my years, I have only taken 1 AP class, which is statistics. I never took a 3rd year of Spanish, or any of the Honors English classes even though I was eligible. </p>

<p>Obviously by my situation, I don't plan on applying, or getting into the top tier UC's. I feel that I have the grades, SAT scores, and ECs to help me get into Riverside, which is where I will be applying. I just didn't take the top tier classes, and I have no idea what I will say in the personal statement. </p>

<p>The main reason that I did not want to take these courses, is because of the workload. I was already loaded up with extra curriculur stuff, but I also think it would be awkward to put all the blame on ECs, because there are many students who find time to balance the two.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>hey i have a friend who wrote her personal statement on that question. She wrote about how taking spanish contributed to her life (she was completely fluent after AP spanish). And, it was an EXCELLENT essay. having the burden to write a personal statement shouldnt stop you from applying</p>

3

<p>Educational activities don't have to be strictly academic. Extra-curricular activities can educate you, as can traveling and many other things. Anything that has educated you in some way that will prepare you for college.</p>

<p>Also, did you do any studying on your own, because something interested you? Did you ever go above and beyond what your classes asked you to do? Or were any of your academic classes hard for you (even though they weren't AP), and you took them anyway?</p>

<p>There are a lot of ways you can answer this question. If you choose to go the first route I mentioned, though, I'd at least make a reference to an academic class. But you don't have to, if you can write a good essay that answers the prompt.</p>