UC Personal Statement Review

PERSONAL STATEMENT REVIEW

For international students applying to UC for Fall 2012 admission

Friday, November 18, 9-12
Wednesday, November 23, 11:30-1:30

See Mark in the Counseling Center
No appointment necessary
First come, first served
Be prepared to wait!

Bring a 2nd or 3rd draft, NOT a rough draft!

Get a low-cost flu shot at DVC

Flu season is approaching, and college students are at great risk of getting the flu. Please consider getting a flu shot at DVC for only $20. Here's more information:

Flu Shot Clinic
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
11:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
DVC Student Union Room 202
v $20.00 Flu Shot
v $25.00 Preservative Free Flu Shot
v $55.00 Pneumonia

The cost of the shot is worthwhile if it keeps you from getting sick and missing classes and exams.

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT WITH UC BERKELEY

UC Berkeley offers the opportunity for qualified students to take one nonrestricted class at UC Berkeley in the fall or spring semester. The minimum qualifications are as follows:

1. Minimum 2.4 GPA on UC-transferable coursework.
2. Completion of at least 20 UC-transferable units.
3. Completion of English 122 with a C or better.
4. Never attended a four-year college or university under regular admission.
5. Enrolled full-time during the term of concurrent enrollment, UCB and DVC units combined (e.g. 3 units at Cal, 9 units at DVC).

International students are welcome to participate in concurrent enrollment as long as they meet the minimum qualifications as described above.

For more details, visit the following webpage and view the video. Later in the semester, there will be a participation form for Spring 2012 concurrent enrollment. That page will include further instructions as well as dates and deadlines.

http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/enrollconcurrent.htm

CORRECTION ABOUT UC PERSONAL STATEMENT

In a previous post, I stated that only UC Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Merced use the personal statement in making an admissions decision. According to some recent information I found on the UC system website, the four campuses that use the personal statement in making an admissions decision are Berkeley, Los Angeles, Merced, and Irvine, not San Diego.

However, you should take your personal statement seriously, even if you are not applying to one of the four campuses mentioned above. Personal statements can be used in consideration for scholarships, and international students can apply for merit-based scholarships when they apply to the UC system.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT REPEATING CLASSES

Beginning Spring 2012, any student wanting to take a non-repeatable class for the third time must submit a petition to the Dean of Enrollment Management online. For example, if you took ENGL-122 in Spring 2011 and withdrew with a W, then took it in Fall 2011 and received a D, you will have to submit a petition to take it a third time. Here is a link to the petition:

http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/repeatPetition.htm

If you make a substandard grade or withdraw with a W the third time, you will have to submit an appeal in order to take the class a fourth time.

The reason for this change in policy is that the state of California has changed its law regarding repetition of classes, thus we must abide by the state's law.

If you have questions about this policy or others, please see me or another counselor.

Great Majors and Careers Website

Do you know what you want to major in, yet you wonder what kinds of jobs you might get with a degree in that major? The link to the website below has great information on various majors and the types of careers you can work toward with a degree in that major. Check it out and discover for yourself that you don't have to major in Business or Economics to get have a satisfying and rewarding career.

http://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/majors/

Opportunity to connect with SFSU staff and students

The following message comes from Izy Alilin, the international outreach representative from San Francisco State University:

Please forward the below banner-link and/or attachment to all your international students inviting them to meet San Francisco State University during the International Day event on Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 2:00am – 4:00pm (PDT). Our international students and staff will be available for LIVE Chat during the whole event and a LIVE Video session from 9:00am-10:00am (PDT) on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

http://www.collegeweeklive.com/en_CA/br/SF_State_Reg/refcode=COL_SF_STATE_Email_INT_DAY

UC Personal Statement

Here are some helpful points to remember as you begin working on your UC personal statement:

1. The purpose of the personal statement is to complete the application; therefore it is important that you completely fill out your application before you begin writing your personal statement. The personal statement helps put the rest of your application in context.
2. The maximum limit is 1000 words. You may write as many words as you want in each prompt, but UC recommends that you write at least 250 words in the shorter response. Going over the limit by a few words, e.g. 1000+12, is fine.
3. Only UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Merced use the personal statement in making admissions decisions; however, all UC campuses may use the personal statement in determining qualifications for scholarships.
4. No admission decision will be based on the personal statement alone. There are many factors to consider, e.g. GPA, preparation for the major, employment history, extra-curricular activities, etc.
5. Even if you apply for different majors at more than one campus, you can submit only one personal statement; therefore, your response to Prompt #1 must be carefully worded to indicate your true academic goal (i.e. don’t make your response pertain to only one major or campus).
6. For Prompt #2, be specific; choose ONE quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution, OR experience to discuss.
7. Remember who your readers are: UC faculty and admissions professionals. Also remember that the personal statement is a college-level piece of writing, so put a lot of thought and attention into it.
8. Remember that your readers might have only a few minutes (3-5) to read your statement. Quality, not quantity, counts.
9. It is fine to get feedback from others on your statement, but ultimately it must be written by you alone! Don’t get too many people to give you feedback; if you do, your statement will become their words, not yours.
10. There are no secret tricks or strategies in writing the personal statement. The admissions committees want to get to know who you are as a person. It’s like an interview, only on paper rather than in person. They are not looking for anything in particular except YOU.
11. Compose your personal statement in a word processing program, then copy and paste into the appropriate fields in the online application.
12. Use the Additional Comments section to explain things that aren’t explained in other parts of your application, e.g. why you have a lot of W’s on your transcript, gaps in your education, etc. But do NOT use Additional Comments as an extension of your personal statement. It is NOT “Prompt #3.”

Web address for the UC online application:
https://admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu/applicant/login.htm

Web address for the UC personal statement:
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/personal-statement/index.html

UC TAG

Be aware that the deadline to submit a Transfer Admissions Guarantee, or TAG, application for Fall 2012 admission to one UC participating campus is Friday, September 30, 2011. UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz require counselor review; the other UC campuses participating in the TAG program do not require counselor review. As the deadline nears, I will give priority to students submitting UC Davis or UC Santa Cruz TAGs. If you are submitting a TAG to UC San Diego or another participating campus, and if you want me to review your TAG before you submit it, I probably will not have time before the deadline to review your TAG for you. So, here are a few tips to remember when submitting your TAG:
1. Enter ALL courses you have taken ANYWHERE in the world after high school, whether or not you think the courses are transferable, and regardless of the grade or mark earned. In other words, if the course is on your transcript, enter it on the TAG application. If the course is not an ASSIST-certified UC-transferable course, you will have to enter the course information manually.
2. Be sure to explain any gaps in your educational history between high school and your first term at DVC. For example, if you completed high school in June 2009, performed mandatory military duty in your country for one year beginning July 2009, then started taking classes at DVC in Fall 2010, you need to explain what you were doing during Fall 2009 and Spring 2010.
3. If you have a TOEFL/IELTS score, report it even if it's low and even if you might not need it for admissions. For all UCs, if you score at least a B in both of your English composition/critical thinking classes, you do not need to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score.
4. If you are submitting a TAG to UCSD, you must complete the entire IGETC pattern by the end of Spring 2012. In any case, be sure to indicate accurately the courses you are taking this semester and the courses you plan to take next semester.
5. Remember you must submit the UC application to the TAG campus in November. If you do not submit the UC application, as well, your TAG application will be cancelled.

Good luck, everyone!

Some California colleges still accepting applications for Fall 2011

I just received a valuable link today to a website that shows which California colleges are still accepting applications from transfer applicants for Fall 2011:

http://www.nacacnet.org/PublicationsResources/Research/SpaceAvailabiltySurvey/Pages/SpaceSurveyResults.aspx

The website also shows information for colleges and universities in other states, too.

Be aware of which colleges and universities are private and which are CSU. The UCs are closed for Fall 2011 application.

More about UC admissions appeals

Yesterday I attending the UC system's annual Ensuring Transfer Success conference. One topic of discussion was admissions appeals. All of the UC campuses stressed that students should submit admissions appeals ONLY if they have NEW and COMPELLING information to share that was NOT included in the original application. They also refused to give examples of new and compelling information because, if a student needs an example of what constitutes new and compelling information, that means the student does NOT have new or compelling information to provide.

They also stressed that the UC's RARELY grant admissions appeals.

If your UC application was denied, you should not submit an appeal UNLESS you have new and compelling information that was not provided in your original application.

PLEASE do not ask me to provide you with examples of what new and compelling information is. I do not have examples. I also have not known of any students who got admitted based on an appeal. That does NOT mean that you should not submit an appeal if you believe you have new and compelling information. I am willing to review your appeal letter ONLY if you are providing new and compelling information.

Examples of what is NOT new and compelling information include: a list of your accomplishments, and your strong desire to be admitted. All of that information was already communicated on your UC application. Reiterating it in an appeal is a waste of your time, my time, and the UC campuses time.

There are other fine universities you can consider attending, or you can consider applying to the UC campus of your choice again next year, or you can apply for a UC master's degree program once you complete your bachelor's degree at another university.

Appealing Admissions Decisions

Most students have heard from most of the campuses by now whether or not they have been accepted. Tonight or tomorrow, UC Berkeley will release admissions decisions for Fall 2011. Many have already been notified by UCLA of their acceptance or denial.

If you have new or previously unreported information that you can share with the UC admissions offices, you can consider submitting an appeal to your admissions decision. Appeals are rarely granted. However, if you have information for the campus that you did not report previously, or if your circumstances have changed favorably since you updated your application in January (e.g. some excellent grades already posted this semester), then consider submitting an appeal.

Here are links to some of the UC campuses regarding submitting admissions appeals:
Berkeley http://students.berkeley.edu/admissions/general.asp?id=113&navid=N
Los Angeles http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/appealstr.htm
San Diego http://www.ucsd.edu/prospective-students/contacts.html#transfer
Davis http://admissions.ucdavis.edu/admissions/fr_nonadmitted.cfm (This information is for freshmen applicants, but it is the only information I could find on their website.)

For all other UC campuses, contact their admissions offices:
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/campuses/index.html

Be sure to abide by appeals submission deadlines.

Requests for Unit Overloads

The Dean of Counseling, who approves student requests to exceed the maximum units allowed, has announced that he will not approve such requests until after the first day of the term or semester. This new policy will help all DVC students have a chance to enroll in classes.

If you desire to take more than 12 units in the summer or 19 units in the fall or spring, my advice is for you to attend the first day of the class you want to add and ask the instructor for permission to add the class. The instructor should give you a late-add code and/or sign a Schedule Request form. Once you have the instructor's approval, you can then petition the Dean of Counseling for approval to exceed the maximum units allowed.

This new policy is a result in the unprecedented budget cuts being experienced at DVC. Our budget reduction has forced us to eliminate many class sections from our schedule.

Students who desire to complete their degree and/or transfer requirements in 1.5 years need to re-evaluate their goals and be prepared to study at DVC for a minimum of two years.

Finally, registration dates are assigned according to the number of units you have completed at DVC, and those dates are not negotiable.

UCLA coming to DVC!

A representative from UCLA will be available to meet with DVC students on Monday, May 2, 2011, from 10:00 until 2:00 in the Counseling Center. No appointment is necessary; just drop-in and sign-in in the Transfer Center. Don't miss this opportunity to ask questions from someone who works at UCLA!

UC Berkeley has open enrollment for summer classes

Want to take a class at UC Berkeley this summer? You can, through Cal's open-enrollment summer program! Follow this link to learn more: http://summer.berkeley.edu/ Be sure to use www.assist.org to see if the class you want to take will help you meet major prerequisites, or contact the Cal summer program for assistance: 510-642-5612. Remember, summer is your vacation term, so you can take classes as you like, and you don't need special permission from DVC to take a summer class elsewhere.

Transferring students and spring semester grades

Quite a few students have contacted me lately to ask what happens if they make a D or F in an essential class for transfer this semester. First of all, I want to make one thing very clear: YOUR SPRING SEMESTER GRADES ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE GRADES YOU HAVE EARNED FROM PREVIOUS SEMESTERS. Even though it is your last semester at DVC, you need to work just as hard to make acceptable grades in your spring classes. Do NOT believe the rumors from your friends that "your spring grades don't matter." They do. Very much. Some students in the past have had their admissions offer revoked because they did not complete the coursework acceptably. However, if you are facing an unexpected difficulty in making a C or better in an essential class, your only option is to contact the schools to which you have applied and ask them if you can repeat the class this summer. Considering the current budgetary crisis and the unprecedented number of students trying to attend CSU and UC campuses, I am skeptical that you would get permission to do that. However, you can ask, and if you do get permission to repeat the failed class this summer, then you are lucky. Refer to www.universityofcalifornia.edu or www.csumentor.org for the contact information for UC and CSU campuses, respectively.

UC TOEFL policies

Here's information from the UC website about the TOEFL policies at each of the UC campuses: When are transfer students required to take the TOEFL examination? What score must a student earn to pass this exam? UCB: The TOEFL is not required for international students who transfer from a California community college or from another U.S. institution, and who have completed two UC-transferable courses in English composition (not ESL) with a grade of C or better in each course. To be admitted to UC Berkeley, students who have not completed two transferable courses in English must achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 83 on the Internet-­based TOEFL. UCD: An international student who plans to transfer from a California community college or another U.S. institution must complete two UC-transferable courses in English composition (not ESL) with a grade of C or better in each course. The TOEFL is not required. UCI: An international student who plans to transfer from a California community college or another U.S. institution must complete two UC-transferable courses in English composition with a grade of C or better in each course. The TOEFL will be waived by virtue of completing the two transferable English composition courses. UCI requires the minimum TOEFL scores of 550 (paper-based) or 80 (Internet-based). UCLA: UCLA requires a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL. The TOEFL, however, is not required for students who transfer from a California community college or from another U.S. institution and who have completed two UC-transferable English composition courses (not ESL) with a grade of C or better in each course. Non-native speakers who completed any of their high school or college-level education in a country where the language of instruction was not English may be required to sit for the UCLA ESL Placement exam prior to or during their first quarter at UCLA. All students must have strong preparation and skills in English to succeed at UCLA. UCM: Non-native speakers of English must earn a score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL, or earn a grade of B or higher in each of two UC-transferable classes in English composition. UC Merced will also accept a score of 7.0 on the IELTS (academic modules) examination. This proficiency requirement also applies to students who completed any of their high school education (ninth through 12th grades) or college-level education in a country where English is not the native language. UCR: An international student who plans to transfer to UCR from a California community college or other U.S. institution must complete two UC-transferable courses in English composition (not ESL) with a grade of C or better in each course. The TOEFL is not required. Applicants transferring from a college or university outside of the United States and whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. Proficiency may be demonstrated by achieving a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 79 on the Internet-­based TOEFL. The IELTS test with a score of 7 is also accepted. UCSD: Students in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa must meet one of the following: earn a grade of B or better in each of two UC­-transferable classes in English composition; or earn a score of 83 on the Internet- based TOEFL. This proficiency requirement also applies to students who completed any of their high school education (ninth through 12th grades) or college-level education in a country where English is not the native language. UCSB: Applicants transferring directly from a college or university outside of the United States and whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. Proficiency may be demonstrated by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with a test on the internet (minimum passing score of 79), or on a computer (minimum score 213) or as a paper-based test (minimum score 550). TOEFL test results must not be more than two years old. Proficiency may also be demonstrated with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Minimum passing score for the IELTS exam is a band score of 7. To be considered for admission, the TOEFL or IELTS Exam must be taken by the December test date prior to enrollment. Test results must be sent directly from the testing agency to UCSB Admissions, Santa Barbara, California, 93106, USA. An international student who plans to transfer to UCSB from a California community college or a four-year U.S. institution must complete two UC-transferable courses in English composition with a grade of C or better in each course. The TOEFL is not required for these students. UCSC: Non-native speakers of English must earn a score of 220 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL, or earn a grade of B or higher in each of two UC-transferable classes in English composition. UC Santa Cruz will also accept a score of 7.0 on the IELTS (academic modules) examination. This proficiency requirement also applies to students who completed any of their high school education (ninth through 12th grades) or college-level education in a country where English is not the native language.

Summer 2011 and Fall 2011 Schedule Cuts

Because of the continuing budget shortfall, DVC will be cutting numerous class sections from the Summer and Fall 2011 schedules. I would like to encourage all international students to complete their English classes as soon as they are able. Waiting until the last year to take ENGL-122 and the Critical Thinking class might result in great difficulty in scheduling all of the classes you need for graduation and/or transfer. And because of the budget crisis, instructors are very reluctant to admit more students than the maximum number allowed for the class, so do not depend on "begging" your way into a class that you need. You should also be flexible in your academic planning. Transferring in 1.5 years might not be a realistic goal considering the current contraints created by the budget cuts. Another strategy is to be sure to register just as soon as you are able. Confirm your registration date and time on WebAdvisor. Be aware, though, that your assigned registration time cannot be changed, as it is based on the number of units you have completed at DVC.

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Resources

Following are some online and community resources that might be helpful to you if you are experiencing distress due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan:

JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
CRISIS RESPONSE RESOURCES

Google Crisis Response Page
http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

Japan Consulate General
50 Fremont St.
San Francisco (415) 777-3533
http://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/e_top.htm

Diablo Japanese American Club
3165 Treat Blvd.
Concord (925) 682-5299
http://www.diablojaclub.com/

Japanese Community Center
The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC)
1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco (415) 567-5505

Faith-based Resources:

Buddha Gate Monastery
3254 Gloria Terrace
Lafayette (925) 934-2411

Buddhist Churches of America (BCA)
1710 Octavia Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 776 5600, Fax: (415) 771 6293
Head: Bishop Hakubun WatanabeMinister: Rev. Kodo UmezuEmail: bcahq@pacbell.net
Tradition: Jodo Shinshu (Pureland)

Berkeley Buddhist Temple
2121 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
Tel: (510) 841-1356, Fax: (510) 841-1435Minister: Rev. Seigen YamaokaEmail: bsangha@pacbell.net
Web site: home.pacbell.net/bsangha
Affiliation: Buddhist Churches of America (BCA)
Tradition: Jodo Shinshu Buddhism

Buddhist Church of Oakland
825 Jackson Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Tel: (510) 832 5988, Fax: (510) 832 0709Minister: Rev. Seigen Yamaoka
Affiliation: Buddhist Churches of America (BCA)
Tradition: Jodo Shinshu (Pureland)

Buddhist Church of San Francisco
1881 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Contact Person: Chizuko Kakiuchi or Jeff Matsuoka (web)
Tel: (415) 776-3158, Fax: (415)776-0264Email: jeff@bcsfweb.org
Web site: www.bcsfweb.org
Tradition: Jodo Shinshu (Pureland)
Affiliation: BCA (Buddhist Church of America)
Spiritual Director: Rev. Hiroshi Abiko

JAPANESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF WALNUT CREEK
1955 Geary Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Rev. Jiro Fujioka (J), Rev. Chris Doi (E), Pr. Wai Gong (E)(925)944-5252(E), (925)944-3408jccwcadmin@earthlink.net http://www.jccwc.com/

BERKELEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1710 Carleton Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 -1906
Naomi Southard (E)(510)848-4680, (510)540-9490
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/bmuc/bmuc@transbay.net

CHRIST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1700 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Rev. Grace Suzuki (E)(415)567-3988

EAST BAY FREE METHODIST CHURCH
5395 Potrero Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Rev. Royce Tanaka (E), Rev. Hideo Furuki (J)(510)232-5410(E), (510)233-6405(J)

If you need further assistance or support, please do not hesitate to visit the Counseling Center or the International Student Admissions and Services office, 210 Student Services Building.

UC TAG for Fall 2012 Admission

Many students are already asking about submitting a Transfer Admissions Guarantee, or TAG, application for Fall 2012 admission. You can learn more about the TAGs at this website:
http://uctag.universityofcalifornia.edu

You can start filling out your TAG application now, but you cannot submit it until September 2011. If you apply for a TAG with UC Davis and/or UC Santa Cruz, you will have to ask a DVC counselor to review your TAG application.

Remember these important things about TAGs:
1. Even if you submit a TAG application in September, you still have to submit the UC application in November. UC applications are available at http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu. Just select "Admissions" from the drop-down menu.
2. If you submit a TAG application and later have changes to your Fall or Spring schedule, you must report those changes to each UC campus individually.
3. You must meet the minimum criteria for the TAG, otherwise you do not qualify for the TAG. No exceptions.
4. Even if you don't qualify for the TAG, you might still qualify to apply for admissions.
5. You do not have to attend the UC campus with which you have a TAG. You may choose to attend another UC campus, or no UC campuses at all.

For more information about TAGs, refer to the Transfer Center website:
http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/transfer-center/transfer-agreements.htm

Welcome to Spring 2011 Semester

Hello, DVC International Students!

Happy New Year! I hope your spring semester is off to a good start. I know many of you, especially new students, are having a difficult time getting the classes that you'd like to take. The lack of enough sections to accommodate the demand is due to the budget crisis in California. I want to remind you to check out my Frequently Asked Questions page for suggestions to follow if the classes you want to take are already full. You'll also find the answers to many other commonly asked questions on my FAQs page. Here's the link:
http://www.dvc.edu/international/pdfs/frequently-asked-questions.pdf

I'd also like to remind you how to make a counseling appointment with me. You can call the Counseling Center at 925-685-1230, extension 2276 or 2278, or stop by and schedule an appointment in person. You can also schedule an appointment online at this link:
http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/online1.htm

I am not able to schedule appointments via email; you must contact the Counseling Center or schedule online.

One new thing this semester is same-day appointments on Fridays! Just call or come by the Counseling Center first thing Friday morning and see if I still have an appointment available for you that day. It's first come, first served, so don't sleep late on Fridays!

Those of you who applied to a UC campus last semester should remember to update your UC application by January 31, 2011. Refer to the communications you have received from the UC application website and from specific UC campuses for instructions and links.

I'm already getting lots of questions about the UC Transfer Admissions Guarantee, or TAG, for Fall 2012 admission. Learn more about UC TAGs from the UC system website:
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/transfer/guarantee/index.html

Or, visit the DVC Transfer Center website for more details:
http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/transfer-center/transfer-agreements.htm

That's all for now. Good luck with classes this spring!