I currently have a gpa of 2.95 I got straight B’s and one C my first year of college after this summer my gpa should move to a 3.1 and I really want to attend UCI I want to write my statement on how I got diagnosed with ADD/ADHD combo and how all my academic life I struggled with this and would overcompensate just to be average now that I got help for it and I hoping to get a straight A’s next fall but that would only boost my GPA to a 3.3 at best so I’m asking what ECs or stuff I could do to be a more competitive applicant also I had some writing published with a music company MXDWN.com and I did a piece with Celebsecrets.com Im hoping to transfer to UCI as a criminology major with all the pre reqs done so what should i add in my application to up my chances to even get looked at also any study tips/advice on how to be an A student are welcome
I am not sure what the essay questions are for the Fall 2018 class but there is no need to write a statement about your illness if the question does not present itself. Personally, I’d tell you to skip the aspect in your personal statements. You may want to BRIEFLY discuss it but do not use it as an excuse for your grades. I can assure you those who read your statement only spend 3-4 minutes and move along. They have heard it all, from personal illnesses, family tragedies, personal struggles and etc. but they do not want you to use that as an excuse.
As for EC’s, I always say they are overrated. I basically had no impressive EC’s other than working in “Corporate America” for a couple years. Regardless, you should discuss your published work for those companies but do not stress over EC’s.
You need to be proficient in your writing when you write your statement. I know this is only a forum but without punctuations, I had a hard time reading your post. Do not go ranting about something for a long period of time, you are limited to a certain number of words. Make sure your transitions are seamless, do not go jumping from topic to topic and finally do not use the word “I” to describe your journey in life. “I did this” “I had to deal with that.” You need to tell a story about yourself. I’d advise you to let somebody read your work, perhaps a professor or take it to the writing center.
As for tips on being a better student, record the professor’s lectures and go back and listen to them. Ask questions, answer their questions, wait after class and speak to them about the topic in hand or go to their office hours. Make yourself as visible as you can.
The essay questions are the same as last year, except for a minir switch up in the last one.
You could write about your ADHD in the challenges question or possibly the educational barriers question, depending.
Your writing could be under the talent or skill question.
If you want criminology, consider volunteering for something related to community and police-- they always have fundraisers (that can possibly be included in community essay).
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/personal-questions/transfer/
Will they look at my personal question answers regardless of my gpa? Also I swear my writing is “proficient” this is just a quick post,but I’m definitely having my personal statements looked over by two English professors and an admission rep. My biggest concern is what I can do to overcompensate for my gpa to be a competitive applicant