I'm beginning to work on my UC applications and trying to brainstorm some ideas. Can anyone share this year's University of California essay questions/prompts? I'd like to familiarize myself with the prompts and start planning my essays. Thanks!
Sure thing! The University of California application uses a set of eight personal insight questions. You'll need to choose four of these prompts and respond to each in 350 words or fewer. Here are the prompts for this year:
1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?
As you plan your essays, consider how each response showcases different aspects of your background, experiences, and personality. Make sure to have a balanced representation of your academic, personal, and extracurricular pursuits. And don't forget to proofread your essays and have someone else review them to ensure they are well-written and engaging. Good luck!
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