<p>So I received and e-mail from both school requesting additional information. The applications are both similar. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Do you believe your grades and test scores accurately reflect your academic ability and preparation? Please explain.</p></li>
<li><p>Describe in greater detail any special talent, skill or ability you included in your list of extracurricular activities or mentioned in your personal statement for the UC Application and how the pursuit of this activity may or may not have affected your academic achievement thus far. (Art, music, dance, debate, athletics, volunteer or community service, etc.)</p></li>
<li><p>Are there any personal circumstances such as employment, family responsibilities or illness that have significantly hampered your ability to achieve academically thus far? How do you feel these circumstances have prepared you to overcome any personal challenges that might occur while at UCSD?</p></li>
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<p>UCLA:</p>
<p>In your application you may have mentioned an extraordinary talent/skill or academic achievement. This may include participation in Junior Olympics, national debate competitions, recognition for musical talent, etc. Please take this opportunity to share with us more detailed information about the level of your achievement, depth of participation, and passion for this particular area.</p>
<p>Please describe any special circumstances that you would like us to consider that may have affected your ability to achieve academically. This may include personal circumstances, family experiences, and opportunities that were or were not available at your school or home. If you participated in an educational preparation program (i.e, EAOP, Talent Search, Upward Bound, PUENTE, etc.) please describe your level of involvement and how each program was beneficial to you.</p>
<p>I'm from a very small and financially challenged town, Latina, and a first generation college student. My grades, GPA, and test scores are decent, especially considering my situations. But they're no where near the high standards for these schools. </p>
<p>I'm not too sure if I answered these questions correctly, so please give your feedback. I was very hesitant and unsure on how honest I needed to be.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Although I earned my grades through hard work, I wasn't able to achieve my desired outcome. I encountered several setbacks throughout my high school career and was forced to do my best with what was available at the time. Caring for my dad after his brain surgery took up a lot of my attention during my freshmen year. When my uncle was murdered, I spent a great deal of my time comforting my family with their grieving and preparing for the homicide trial. These situations limited my schedule and made me prioritize several aspects of my life. My family's stability and my studies became my main concerns. However, home life became difficult as the investigation carried on and we were required to face the murderer. This is when my grades suffered. However, I continued to strive with the best of my ability to do well in my classes. I refused to allow this setback to ruin my chances for a better education. In response, I spent my summer vacation taking classes at University of California Riverside. And although my school didn't provide many college courses, I continued to push myself by taking AP Statistics and AP Literature my senior year, as well as spending an hour each day as an AVID Peer Tutor. Despite the numerous drawbacks I dealt with, I'm proud of the grades and test scores I've obtained; they reflect my drive and passion to succeed in light of unfortunate circumstances. </p></li>
<li><p>For the past ten years I've been playing softball. That's over half my life. This sport and the love for it has pushed me and acted as my outlet while growing up. It has taught me discipline and the importance of teamwork. Most of my afternoons were coordinated to finish all my schoolwork and chores before attending practice. My weekends were spent at showcases and tournaments. Through softball, I've gained a sense of commitment and camaraderie while playing. My position as short-stop pushed me to become a leader and role model for the rest of my team. Along with teaching me valuable working habits, it has also provided me an escape from stress. Dealing with a complicated home environment and a strenuous course load, softball gave me an opportunity to enjoy myself and have fun with friends. Over time, I've made lasting relationships with past coaches and teammates. Participating in a positive activity allowed me to do well in school by giving me something to look forward to. Without softball, I'm sure I would have been overwhelmed with anxiety and pressure. </p></li>
<li><p>My family responsibilities were a challenge, I had to overcome my dad's brain tumor and the sudden death of my uncle. Nearly losing her husband and the loss of her younger brother took a tole on my mother, dragging her into a deep depression. As the eldest, I became the primary caretaker of my younger sister and baby brother while my mother received therapy. In addition, I lived in a household with nine other members of my family that also included my sick grandmother who was waiting for a liver transplant. I also faced financial challenges because my parents wages and hours were cut. In order to address each of these issues, I had to sacrifice study time. Yet all these obstacles didn't stop me from achieving my goals. These last four years have taught me a great deal about life and myself. Taking care of my dad and siblings gave me patience and compassion. Losing a loved one made me appreciate my friends and family. Participating in the trial and facing the murderer proved that I was stronger than I once thought. Coping with such traumatizing events molded me into a more empathetic person. In a short period of time, I've been tackled with several adult problems. However, rather than panic and crumble under the immense pressure, I focused on getting through it all and finding a way to maintain a path of success. I no longer see these dilemmas as ugly moments of my youth, instead I view them as blessings in disguise. Now I'm confident whenever faced with a problem because I've survived the worst. I've come a long way, so I refuse to allow anything get in my way of an education. Whatever difficulties that may arise while attending UCSD, I'm certain I will come up with a solution. </p></li>
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