UCLA transfer 2014: Chance me?

iDizzle
Mon, 21 Oct 2013 23:42:23 +0000

@ Snorlaz: Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I just mean it will definitely help if the OP added those things. At orientation they told us more about the app process and how we were chosen for acceptance. If an app reviewer sees something that stands out in your application, likes it and likes your personal statement, they will pass on your application to 2 more reviewers. If both of those reviewers also like your application than you are granted acceptance. UCLA and Cal like “well-rounded” students. That is why they read your PS, they want to know more about this person. They would rather choose a student with a 3.8GPA and has had other achievements whether it be extracurriculars or whatever vs. a student with a 4.0 who does nothing but study.

For my personal statement I wrote about overcoming years of drug abuse, a poor family, an ailing father and working 55+ hours a week and climbing the corporate ladder while taking night classes at community college. I think the circumstances I mentioned in my PS only helped my chances.

You know, I was taking a big risk and at first was apprehensive about adding social stigmas like “drug abuse” to my PS. I ended up getting into 11 of the 12 schools that I had applied to.

So yeah, what I’m saying is that it doesn’t hurt to add “tough” circumstances to your PS. Just saying.