Reposted: Discussing "obstacles" in your UC essay is good

UCs like to see how you have handled life's obstacles through perseverance. Read on.
[Reposted]

When writing your personal essay for your UC apps, admissions directors are keen in spotting applicants who have encountered significant obstacles, yet, despite the set-back, the applicant has persevered.

This shows them the applicant has perseverance, determination and drive to complete a college education, despite any "bumps in their road." Further, UCs like to see that despite your obstacle, did you take advantage of opportunities for academic and extracurricular achievement that were available to your environment?

UC Berkeley and UCLA (and they say, all UCs for the Fall 2012) are applying the "comprehensive review" towards an applicant. A comprehensive review is using a holistic approach in viewing the applicant. Instead of looking at strict GPA and SAT/ACT scores, they are looking at the applicant as a whole. Therefore, they will be looking at evidence of family, economic, personal or social obstacles. They will be looking if you took advantage of academic and extracurricular achievement despite the obstacles. UC Berkeley will tend to look at the applicant's ability to "live and learn in an environment with limited academic opportunities."  This shows character and someone they would like to see contribute to their university.

So, if your parents lost their job, their house, were divorced, have low English proficiency, or have a low-level experience with institutionalized education or a stressful immigration experience, don't be embarrassed to address this in your personal essay.  Being homeless, a victim of a crime, living in a foster home, commuting more an hour to school (by bus even), having a serious or chronic illness, or having a physical or learning disability are obstacles. You should not be ashamed to mention them and show how you persevered despite of these significant obstacles. And UCs like Berkeley, look for that. Also note that your essays are confidential.

Of course, if you have not encountered such obstacles, do not make them up. When you electronically sign your application online, you will certify that all the info in your application are accurate and you understand UCs may verify any info in your application including your personal statement. You may be called in for an interview (Alumni Scholarship for one), and may be asked to address it. If they catch you in a lie, that is grounds for denial/retraction of admission.

Click here: Hear from UC admissions directors on the personal statement
http://californiacolleges.edu/admissions/university-of-california-uc/personal-statement.asp