Writing a personal statement: It’s not as bad as you think

What is it? If you are applying for competitive scholarships, for college, or for a number of employment opportunities, you will see the vaguely phrased request; in one form or another, it comes down to: “tell us something about yourself.” If you are applying for competitive scholarships, for college, or for a number of employment opportunities, you will see the vaguely phrased request; in one form or another, it comes down to: “tell us something about yourself.”

So what’s the point? The personal statement is your opportunity to stand out! The personal statement is your opportunity to stand out!

Who Needs a Personal Statement from Me? Common App Common App UC Schools UC Schools Scholarships Scholarships Internships Internships

Who uses the Common App? California American Jewish University California College of the Arts California Institute of Technology (Caltech) California Lutheran University Chapman University Claremont McKenna College Concordia University Irvine Dominican University of California Harvey Mudd College Loyola Marymount University Menlo College Mills College Mount St. Mary's University, Los Angeles Notre Dame de Namur University Occidental College Pepperdine University Pitzer College Pomona College Saint Mary's College of California Santa Clara University Scripps College Soka University of America Stanford University University of LaVerne University of Redlands University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of the Pacific Westmont College Whittier College Woodbury University

Common App. Prompts 2015/2016 Prompt #1 Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Prompt #2 The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Prompt #3 Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

Prompt #4 Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

Prompt #5 Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

UC Applications UC Application Deadline: November 30th Think of it as your interview with the admissions office. While your personal statement is only one of many factors we consider when making our admission decision, it helps provide context for the rest of your application.

Directions All applicants must respond to two essay prompts — the general prompt and the freshman prompt. Responses to your two prompts must not exceed 1,000 words total. Allocate the word count as you wish. If you choose to respond to one prompt at greater length, we suggest your shorter answer be no less than 250 words.

Freshman applicant prompt Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

Prompt for all applicants 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?

Scholarship Examples First place: $5,000; second place: $2500; third place: $1000; honorable mention: $50 AFA Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness College Scholarship Sponsor: Alzheimer's Foundation of America Eligibility Requirements Residency: U.S. citizen Permanent resident Current applicant status: High school senior Qualified Institutions & Level of Study Award may be used for: Freshman year Award may be used at: Four-year college Accreditation: School must be accredited

Prompt for Scholarship Essay 1,200 to 1,500 word essay that answers the following questions: How has Alzheimer’s disease changed or impacted your life? What have you learned about yourself, your family and/or your community in the face of coping with Alzheimer’s disease?

Personal Statement Don’ts Do not use the same answers as other applicants Do not use the same answers as other applicants Do not touch on controversial or political topics Do not touch on controversial or political topics DO NOT LIE!!! DO NOT LIE!!! Avoid clichés Avoid clichés Don’t use BIG words that don’t truly fit – just to sound smart ! Don’t use BIG words that don’t truly fit – just to sound smart !

Grammatical Tips As with writing any essay remember these tips: Always make the introduction pop. You want to draw them in! Always make the introduction pop. You want to draw them in! Remember the basic structure of an essay: introduction, body, conclusion Remember the basic structure of an essay: introduction, body, conclusion CHECK FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS!! CHECK FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS!!

~Brainstorm~