Writing a successful personal statement is a crucial part of applying to graduate school.  This essay is an opportunity for you to present yourself to admissions personnel as you would like to be seen–as a highly qualified, “must have” candidate.

A statement that distinguishes one applicant (you?) from others is often the deciding factor in who is admitted to graduate programs of their choice. No wonder smart students spend considerable time strategizing, drafting, and revising their personal essays–as well as getting reliable input along the way.

UCI’s Learning and Academic Resource Center (LARC) offers--at NO CHARGE--expert advice on writing your personal statement. Our experienced, professional writing staff can assist you in
 

• understanding the objectives and process of writing the essay,
• understanding your audience and how to persuade them,
• the critical, but often overlooked, process of self-assessment: clearly identifying your goals, qualifications, and uniqueness as a candidate,
• making editorial decisions about which materials to include,
• commonly asked questions and how to answer them –including
• dealing with adverse circumstances,
• editing to maximize focus, organization, coherence, and clear, grammatically correct language.

• We offer ONE-ON-ONE CONFERENCES with LARC writing specialists who will read drafts of your essay and offer expert advice on how to improve them. Call LARC at 949-824-6451 to schedule your appointment.
• We also offer weekly WORKSHOPS (Thursdays at 4, SST 484) where you can ask questions and learn basic goals and strategies for writing your essay.  Workshops are a good way to get oriented and write better drafts right from the start. Again, there is NO CHARGE for this valuable service!