Hello,
I am currently working on my personal statement to apply to the University of Central Florida. The application instructs that I respond to two out of four topics however the wording of the instructions makes it difficult to discern whether UCF would like two separate statements each responding to a single prompt or a single essay responding to both prompts at once. Could someone with knowledge about the UCF application process clarify this for me?
Are you doing it on the Common App or on the UCF site? My son is applying to UCF as well and on the Common App it doesn’t say to pick two.
I am applying directly via UCF’s site
Looks like after you submit the app you will get an email stating what you need. It says you will need to submit the usual stuff like SAT scores, transcripts, and the essays. So, I am guessing that the 2 of 4 will come after the submission.
My son just did in it on the Common App and submitted it. Paid the app fee and still have yet to hear about confirmation. Did you apply? If so, did you automatically get a confirmation? Good luck with everything. Thanks!
I believe that you write 2 separate statements, for a total of 500 words. Their use of “combined” makes me think that.
Essay: The personal statements are a very important part of your application. They assist the university in knowing you as an individual, independent of test scores and other objective data. We ask that you respond to two of the topics below. Your personal statement should be no longer than a total of 500 words or 7000 characters for both statements combined. The best personal statements are not necessarily the longest ones.
Hey! As I was also confused about the essay, this is what I did: I combined two questions into one essay that was under 500 words. Who knows what they really want; I feel that they are super vague about it. Just make sure that your essay is done before you get to that part of the application because it is built in and if you don’t put it in, they may take it as you just didn’t bother to do it, which would suck!
I hope that it all goes well, and good luck on your essay!!
Where are the 2 of 4 questions? My son applied to UCF using the Common App on Monday and we just got confirmation today. In the Common App, the 4 questions were not there. We looked several times but did not see them. Somewhere on the website I remember seeing that it said that once they received the application that they’d send more info as to what is needed and the essay were one of them. However, the email we received today did not give that info.
From the website:
After completing your application, you’ll receive an email with specific instructions for submitting required documents, including:
Official high school (or homeschooled) transcripts
Official scores for the SAT (code: 5233) or ACT (code: 0735) with writing
Official college transcripts from all colleges attended, if applicable
Official GED and TOEFL/IELTS scores, if applicable
Submission of the application essay (strongly encouraged)
Might be a silly question, but was the email on his knights mail?
No, it was not. It was delivered to the email that was used to submit the application.
I cant remember which address was used, but if you set up a ucf knights email address…make sure you check it often as info may be sent to that account.
Right now I am currently writing one combined since it said in “total” 500 words.
Good luck! Go knights
Hey @BillyMadison123! Here is all the information you & your son need on the questions and emailing the essay!
You may email your essay to admissions@mail.ucf.edu. Please make sure to include identifying information in your email such as name and date of birth. Your personal statements should be no longer than a total of 500 words or 7000 characters for both statements combined. The best personal statements are not necessarily the longest ones.
If there has been some obstacle or bump in the road in your academic or personal life, please explain the circumstances.
How has your family history, culture or environment influenced who you are?
Why did you choose to apply to UCF?
What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community?
I found this by logging into my UCF account and looking at the FAQs. I hope this helps you guys and I wish your son luck with his essay!
Thanks! I just talked to UCF and told them that the Common App asked him to respond to 3 questions. 1. Why are you interested in UCF - no more than 250 words. Discuss reasons for pursuing the academic program selected above - no more than 250 words. 3. There were 5 or 6 questions and he had to choose one. No more than 650 but no less than 250. They said if he answered those he is good to go.
I included both essays in one last year and I got accepted so I must have done something right. Good luck!
My son was accepted. Must have done right,too. LOL