When applying for a UCLA Graduate Diversity Fellowship (a fellowship is like a scholarship on the graduate level: funds you do not have to pay back)—

Please write a two-page personal statement to accompany the Graduate Division fellowship application (such as the Graduate Opportunity Fellowship).
See below the ways in which a Personal Statement differs from a Statement of Purpose.
Be sure to apply at least for the Graduate Opportunity Fellowship.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PERSONAL STATEMENT AND A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE?

The Personal Statement is primarily an explanation of your own personal circumstances (both challenges and achievements).
The Statement of Purpose primarily discusses your scholarly achievements and goals.

WHAT SHOULD THE PERSONAL STATEMENT INCLUDE?

1. In the Personal Statement, you will indicate the specific life challenges you have had to overcome in order to accomplish your scholastic achievements thus far.

1. For instance, if a student’s GPA is slightly low, he or she might explain that family circumstances forced him or her to work and help support the family.

2. Some students may have families of their own.

3. Other students may have had health problems.

1. Indicate the various reasons for your financial need.

1. If you have to work, please explain why your family situation requires you to do so.

For instance, there may be several children in the family and your parent(s) cannot afford to pay for your university fees.

2. Indicate your various personal achievements.

1. Indicate achievements in your school, community, or workplace that demonstrate your ability to set and keep goals, make and keep commitments, and be trustworthy.

2. It is important to note your growth and development, in spite of personal challenges or hardship.

For instance, a student may have been a volunteer leader in his or her church or community center, even though having to work after school.