According to the search engine on the UC System's site, the prompts were updated June 7, 2007. But I check that page periodically when I answer questions here and I've seen the old prompts up until last week (second week of July).
The new prompts are up on the UC System: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/ad鈥?/a>
I think the new prompts give applicants more freedom to talk about things that are important to them and the essays will be more personal then before. I believe it has changed for the better. Just remember that the personal statement functions as a window for the admissions officers to get a glimpse of you as a person, beyond grades and test scores; if you achieve that you are half way in the door.
When did the UC Personal Statement topic just change? And any tips for wirting it?
I think each school has a different topic. The best tip is to have as many people as you can look over it. Do a draft, re read it a few times, have a few people read it and do another one. Also don't write what you think they want to hear, write what is true to you. They will see in your statement if you are being open and honest or just trying to make your self sound good to get in.
