Name: Date: Period:

Personal Statement Idea Table

Directions: Use the graphic organizer to consider four different topics that would be appropriate for your personal statement essay. Below each topic, consider the various details and lessons that you could discuss. Sample prompts are on the reverse of this handout.

Topic #1:
List Details:
Lessons Learned: / Topic #2:
List Details:
Lessons Learned:
Topic #3:
List Details:
Lessons Learned: / Topic #4:
List Details:
Lessons Learned:

Now that you’ve completed the brainstorm, which topic appears strongest to you? Why?

Sample Prompts

  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. (Common App)
  1. 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? (Common App)
  1. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? (Common App)
  1. 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. (Common App)
  1. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. (Common App)
  1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.(UC system)
  1. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. (UC system)
  1. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? (UC system)
  1. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. (UC system)
  1. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? (UC system)
  1. Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you. (UC system)
  1. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? (UC system)
  1. What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates applying to the University of California? (UC system)

**Note: UC responses cannot be more than 350 words and Common App responses are limited to 650 words.