UCLA PIQ Examples

Hey guys, I'm trying to get started on my UC application and the Personal Insight Questions. Anyone have any successful UCLA PIQ examples they'd be willing to share or know where I can find some? I really wanna make my application stand out! Thanks in advance!

Hi there! It's important to remember that each person's PIQs will vary widely since they should be authentic and showcase your unique experiences and interests. However, I can give you an example of a successful PIQ response to provide some guidance on tone and content.

Question: Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

Response:

Growing up in a low-income area, I didn't have access to many extracurricular activities or specialized academic programs. However, during my freshman year, I discovered an opportunity to participate in a mentorship program called "Project Aspire." Paired with a local university engineering student, I was exposed to the world of engineering and the possibilities within it.

Eager to make the most of this opportunity, I found myself fully invested in all aspects of the program. From working on hands-on projects like designing and building a model bridge to attending monthly workshops on problem-solving skills, I felt a constant sense of growth and eagerness to learn more. My mentor, who saw my enthusiasm, introduced me to Arduino programming as a way to further explore my budding passion for engineering.

Emboldened by my newfound knowledge, I collaborated with a few friends to launch a robotics club at my school, securing a grant to purchase materials and equipment. Our club quickly gained momentum, attracting students from all grades and backgrounds. As we worked on increasingly ambitious projects, the mentors from Project Aspire became a guiding light, offering their expertise and support.

Overcoming the limitations of my environment and lack of resources, I turned an opportunity from Project Aspire into a means to share my passion for engineering with other students and inspire them to think beyond their circumstances. Through determination and collaboration, I learned that sometimes, an opportunity can spark a much-needed change in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Though this specific example may not apply to your experience, it demonstrates how you can showcase a significant educational opportunity and its positive impact on you as well as others. Make sure to focus on your own unique journey, explain the challenges you’ve faced, and how you took advantage of opportunities or overcame barriers.

To find more examples, you can check out online resources like CollegeVine's blog or student forums where individuals may share their own PIQ experiences. Here is a great link to check out: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-california-essays

Best of luck with your UC application!