UC Davis: My Personal Compass

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Davis, CA 95616

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UC Davis home > My Personal Compass > Essay writing tips

It's not easy to thoughtfully distill one's core beliefs in an essay of no more than 350 to 450 words.

To get you started, here are some writing suggestions:

Tell a personal story anchored by real events in your life.
As NPR advises, consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed.
Be specific in naming your belief — and refrain from saying what you do not believe.
Be concise. Essays should be no more than 350-450 words in length.
Keep your reader and listener in mind and aim to make a connection.
Be guided by our Principles of Community, which "affirm the right of freedom of expression within our community and affirm our commitment to the highest standards of civility and decency towards all."