Personal Statement Questions

You should respond to the three short-answer questions given below using no more than two pages. Rationales accompany the questions in the application to help you understand each question's intent. The first question is the only one that offers different expectations for freshman and transfer applicants, although the rationale is the same.

Question 1: Academic Preparation -

Freshman applicants: How have you taken advantage of the educational opportunities you have had to prepare for college?
Continuing College Applicants: What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the field developed and describe any experience you have had in the field -- such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities -- and what you have gained from your involvement.

Rationale: The Community Foundation seeks to award scholarships to students who take initiative in pursuing their education (for example, developing a special interest in science, language or the performing arts; or becoming involved in special programs including summer enrichment programs, research or academic development programs such as EAOP, MESA, Puente, COSMOS or other similar programs). This questions seeks to understand a student's motivation and dedication to learning.

Question 2: Potential to Contribute

Tell us about a talent, experience, contribution or personal quality you will bring to the university you will attend and your community at large.

Rationale: This question seeks to determine an applicant's academic or creative interests and potential to contribute to the vitality of the university they attend and their community at large.

Question 3: Open-ended

Is there anything you would like us to know about you or your academic record that you have not had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in this application?

Rationale: This question seeks to give applicants the opportunity to share important aspects of their schooling or their lives -- such as their personal circumstances, family experiences and opportunities that were or were not available at their school or college -- that may not have been sufficiently addressed elsewhere in the application. If you are an older or reentry student, be sure to mention in your answer to this question the significance of your life experiences as they relate to your admission.

For tips on how to write a Personal Statement, click here.

For more information, please contact Dana Johnson, at the Community Foundation at 707/579-4073 x 18.