UCLA Margins? Forum

[bne]

Quick question. I am aware that the personal statement requirements for UCLA are 12 pt font and a 2 pg limit double spaced. I just saw a post saying that 1" margins are required too. Is this true? I read the requirements on their website and there was no mention of margins. I know the standard rule is 1" but would .8 margins be acceptable if I adhere to the other requirements? If not, what about going with 11.5 pt font? I trimmed my personal statement down already and need to get just 2-3 lines in.

[jjrialva]

Do they specify a font? Because it not instead of "times new roman" you can use "times". Its about the same type of letter a bit tighter and smaller. Never go over the limit of word count or pages.

[endless_sekai]

I know where you are coming from, length requirements are the death of me. I am always way too wordy. However, my advice is try to look back into your PS and try to make things more concise. Also, a lot of people tend to be redundant when they write something. I can say with confidence there is probably a sentence or two you can cut out because you've already said, but your just restating it again. People do this because they like to emphasize or reinforce the idea it by saying it a slightly different way. Instead, just try and make the first iteration of it as strong as you can.

On the issue of following the directions, I would stick to it even if that meant letting go of something I really wanted in my paper. Trying to bend the rules/directions a little bit is not a good way to endear yourself to adcomms. However, if you are pretty confident with your numbers, then you can take a little risk by bending the rules, but I would really and I mean really advise against it.

[Ti Malice]

I wouldn't mess with the margins. It's an unspoken rule, but I'd still treat it like any other rule. If the previous poster's suggestion doesn't work, try the Garamond font. Alternatively, find something non-essential or overly wordy and edit accordingly.