<p>For the first UC personal statement prompt, I was thinking of the world I come from as being the library. For most of my junior year, I went to the library almost everyday or whenever I could because it was the only place that i could find peace and quiet because of my own hardships at home. I don’t want it to be some typical essay, but I do have my reasons for going to the library to study or do homework. It was because I couldn’t stand being at home because being at home created all these negative, depressing thoughts in my head. I need a lot of guidance and opinions on whether this is the right track.</p>
<p>I think the library is probably a popular and maybe overused topic for essay #4. Though it sounds appropriate and you have your reasons. You could probably write about that for this prompt, trying to make your essay interesting enough not to be boring. That means getting specific with your situation and finding some meaning and insight that is unique to you. Being able to articulate how this helps you or how you help yourself take care of yourself.</p>
<p>In the case for essay #1, the library just isn’t the world you come from. The ‘world you come from’ idea is what shaped and molded you in, say your family or your community or some environment, over some period of time. What kind of exposure you had that influenced that sort of person you have become. That is not the library in your junior year, see?</p>
<p>It sounds like your essay is more about the forces going on in your life rather than the mere habit of going to the library. If you choose to write this, are you willing to expand on these ‘hardships’? How will you argue that going to the library is beneficial to your growth, rather than a means of escape?</p>
<p>I really don’t know. I am honestly feeling so insecure right now about grades, SAT scores, class rankings. I’m such an average student but I have bigger aspirations than going to a CSU. My overall GPA is 3.85 , my SAT score is 1630, and my class ranking is 77/500 students. I feel inadequate to even apply to california universities or private colleges and I feel like my personal statement will either make me or break me. It’ll make a big difference but I can’t put it into words.</p>
<p>I have some words of encouragement for you</p>
<p>1) The CSUs are not bad schools. At all. In fact, I’d argue that the top CSUs, like San Luis Obispo, are better than some of the UCs. A lot of them have strong regional grad programs due to the prominence of their adjunct faculty. </p>
<p>2) Your GPA is strong, and your SAT score is not bad by any means. In fact, I’ve helped a few students with considerably lower stats than you get into UC Berkeley. Of course, your demographic (especially your school district and family income) and your application packaging matter, but it’s certainly not the end of the world. You should take pride in your accomplishments and what you’ve done. I think the reality of your situation is much rosier than you make it out to be. You are probably projecting the stress you feel from other recent experiences onto your academics and life as a whole. Don’t let one bad element make your entire life bleak. Trust me - I’ve been there. </p>
<p>If you feel comfortable at the library, use that as a place to be productive and to feel whole. Work on your application there. Get support from close friends and teachers. </p>
<p>You can also read through my guide and see if it helps you write. I have an example that you might be able to relate to - showing you how to turn a negative topic into a positive message. </p>
<p>[The</a> App Style - A College Application Guide](<a href=“http://www.theappstyle.com%5DThe”>http://www.theappstyle.com)</p>