Transfer Essay Resources and Workshops
Fall 2022
(UC Personal Insight Questions and Common App Essays)
Workshop Days and Times: drop by for help on your UC Transfer Essays!
Mondays 12-1 in the Writing Center (LLR 3rd floor)
Wednesdays Online 4-7 pm. Meet Naveed on Cranium Cafe or Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting
https://ucla.zoom.us/j/8711746390?pwd=NFJQZE5BL0UzZzZsa1g0OHhod3lRZz09
Meeting ID: 871 174 6390
Passcode: 216299
Or make appointments at https://moorparkcollege.craniumcafe.com/login
AND, we now have honors faculty who can work with students on personal statements as well!!
Nathan Bowen is available Thursdays 1-2 pm in the Writing Center
Haleh Risdana is available Mondays 10-12 on Zoom or in office:
In person at PA 139 or via Zoom
https://vcccd-edu.zoom.us/j/92450192665
Brendan Purdy: Tuesday (11/22 and 11/29) 3-4 pm:
Zoom Meeting ID: 960 6652 4571 ; Zoom Passcode: 677666
Great TED talk on how to write the college application essay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pO0F5wAGBs
How to get started:
First, read the prompts and guidance from the university. Here is the link to the UC Personal Insight Questions:
Then, start brainstorming and drafting:
- Consider character traits you want to share that fit the prompt (s)
- Think about moments or periods of your life that illustrate those traits
- Tell a story about that moment or period that demonstrates that trait (brave, creative, inquisitive, compassionate, resourceful, etc.).
- Use first person voice ("I", "my", etc.)
- Describe the circumstance, how you engaged with it, and what you learned about yourself and the world from it (be sure to "show" not "tell" the trait you are showing off)
- Be specific and straightforward and answer the prompt
- pdf of infographic:
Come to a Personal Statement Workshop at the Writing Center and get feedback and guidance writing the personal statement (for UC personal insight, commonapp, scholarships, and more)!
- Explore the myths vs. the realities of application essays
- Understand expectations for content
- Review topic prompts
- Brainstorm and develop ideas for essays
- Read sample essays and discuss strengths and weaknesses
- Learn how to integrate these strategies into your essays:
- Be honest – even if it hurts.
- Be descriptive:
- Use concrete language
- Use active voice
- Show don’t tell: Write the story—the experience–that reveals YOU.
- If writing about something challenging in your life, show how you are overcoming or have resolved problems.
- UC Personal Insight Questions: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/applying-as-a-transfer/personal-insight-questions.html
- View the presentation here!
Come to one or more workshops--just drop in when you can! Students are also welcome to book individual tutoring appointments to work on question responses and personal statements at moorparkcollege.edu/writingcenter