UC Creativity Essay – What to Write About?

For those who have already applied or are currently applying to the UC system, how did you approach the creativity essay? What topics did you explore? I'm struggling to come up with unique ideas, and any input would be appreciated!

The best way to tackle this essay is to think honestly about how your creativity has played a significant role in your life, your interests, or your personal growth. Here are a few general ideas to get you started:

1. A specific project or creation: If you've worked on an art piece, craft, or any hands-on project, you could discuss your creative process and the skills you've gained from it. Make sure to tie it back to how this project has contributed to your overall growth and/or made an impact on your community.

2. Finding creative solutions: You could write about a challenge or problem you've encountered, and how you used your creativity to address it. This could be in the context of studying, group projects, or your own ventures (e.g. starting a small business or organizing an event).

3. Personal expression: If you have a unique talent or passion (music, writing, visual arts, etc.), you could discuss how you've used that talent to explore your own emotions, thoughts, or ideas. Talk about why expressing yourself creatively is essential to who you are and how it's helped you grow.

4. Innovating within an activity: If you've participated in extracurriculars or clubs and found ways to introduce innovative and creative ideas, this could be a great topic. For example, maybe you revolutionized your school newspaper's layout or devised a new practice plan for your basketball team.

5. Creativity in everyday life: Creativity doesn't always have to be limited to traditional art forms. Think about your daily life and identify times you've found creative solutions or approaches. This could include anything from cooking, to planning travel itineraries, to decorating your room, to even managing your time.

If you're looking for even more structured guidance, check out CollegeVine's master post on the UC application (https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-california-essays) and examples of strong UC essays, including those responding to the creativity prompt (https://blog.collegevine.com/university-of-california-essay-examples). Once you have a draft of your own, also remember that CollegeVine offers both free peer essay review and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors—this objective perspective can give you a clearer sense of whether or not your response is working.

Remember to stay genuine and focused on your own experiences. When writing the essay, highlight not only what you did specifically, but also how your creativity affected your thinking, influenced those around you, and contributed to your personal growth. Good luck!