One of the great things about the University of California is that its nine undergraduate campuses (Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Santa Cruz) offer plenty of opportunities for students to look for and find a good fit. Once a student applies to their first campus they can add additional campuses to their application.
Like the university itself, students applying for a place in the incoming freshman class have options when it comes to answering the University of California’s Personal Insight Questions. The Admissions Office offers 8 different prompts; applicants select 4 and write a short essay of 350 words or less for each.
Here are the 8 UC Prompts
Step One: Choose the Four Best Prompts for You
Think of your activities, interests, and achievements as CONTENT. Your goal with the UC Essays is to match that content with the most appropriate prompt. When you are brainstorming potential topics for each prompt, write down everything that comes to mind. You will likely find yourself repeating some ideas under multiple prompts.
For students who would prefer to wade rather than dive in, we often recommend a short exercise in which you choose five adjectives that you’d like an Admissions Officer to apply to you after they read your essays. If it is difficult to generate this list, ask friends or family what adjectives they would use to describe you or google “positive character traits.” You can use your character trait list to generate topics, examples, and details for your essays while writing, and after you finish your first drafts, you can use it as a rubric to check whether what you’ve written will leave a reader with that impression of you.
All students benefit from knowing more about what an Admissions Office is looking for in their applicant pool. The short answer to this question is academic motivation; community-orientation; and self-awareness and reflection.
Read on to discover which prompts fall into which category.
Academic Motivation
The University of California values students who have made the most of their academic opportunities and have gone beyond what is offered to them in a school setting to look for and participate in additional activities such as summer programs, enrichment classes, internships, research positions, online coursework, and independent study.
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. [Prompt 6]
This is a version of the “Why Your Major” essay you might write as a supplement for a school that uses the Common Application. The best essays for this prompt tell your story in chronological order beginning with your first interest in the subject (think of this as the initial seed) and then branching out to describe all of the ways in which you have continued to explore that initial passion. For all students, that first seed will need to flower in your essay, becoming something bigger, but for some that might mean a rose bush, while for others an oak tree.
Include influential teachers, courses, and activities from your high school years and talk about whether you will pursue this academic interest in college as a major or a minor. If you are considering a major in Computer Science, engineering, biology, or business, a proven track record will help you to stand out from the competition.
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. [Prompt 4]
This prompt is definitely not for every student, though it does offer two pathways toward successful completion. It could be for you if you’ve applied to a program, in or out of school, and then made the most of that opportunity. Maybe your school offers majors, a capstone program, or specialized tracks – if so, you have likely had some educational experiences that other students in your school, community, or nationwide have not had. How have you capitalized on that advantage? Perhaps you’ve been able to travel as part of a student group – what did you take from that experience and how does it motivate you now (primarily academically but also, perhaps, in the areas of social and emotional learning)? Or maybe you attend a language school outside of your high school. Can you explore how that has shaped your worldview? You can even write a great essay about making the most of your IB (International Baccalaureate) extended essay or a single AP class if you use great details and examples.
On the other hand, you may be at a school that doesn’t offer coursework in a subject that you want to study – Japanese or German, say, or anything after Calculus. Did you find a way to pursue that interest anyway? Or perhaps you moved during high school and you started with an IB curriculum but your new school didn’t offer that coursework. How did you handle that shift in educational philosophies? What did you learn? If you struggle with a course academically, a better prompt is coming up in the Self-Awareness & Reflection section.
Community Orientation
The University of California is looking for students who have already begun to use their gifts and talents to make positive contributions to their local community and who feel comfortable stepping up to serve as informal and formal leaders.
Your primary reason for attending college should be academic, but you will be pursuing your degree in a community of learners. If academics were all it took to get a degree, you could stay home and do your entire degree online (and there are some colleges that specialize in this). You will arrive on campus as an independent adult, and the Admissions Office wants to be able to predict whether you will become a good citizen who will make contributions to their established community.
Their goal is to find students who will seek out opportunities and form connections that last long after graduation.
Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. [Prompt 1]
The admissions committee seeks to uncover your capacity for leadership and collaboration. They want to understand how you have taken initiative, inspired and guided peers, and navigated challenges to achieve collective goals. The UC schools are interested in specific examples that illustrate your leadership style, the actions you took, and the tangible outcomes of your efforts.
To effectively respond, select an incident where your leadership made a significant impact. For instance, you might describe how you led a community service project that addressed a local need, detailing how you organized volunteers, delegated tasks, and maintained morale. Discuss any challenges faced, such as conflicts within the group, and explain how you mediated these disputes to foster a cooperative environment. Highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to communicate effectively, and dedication to the group’s objectives.
Authenticity and specificity are crucial. Rather than listing general traits, provide a vivid narrative that showcases your leadership in action. Reflect on what you learned from the experience and how it has shaped your approach to leadership. This demonstrates not only your past achievements but also your potential to contribute meaningfully to the UC community.
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? [Prompt 7]
Basically, this prompt is asking how you have contributed to a positive change in a community to which you belong. Think local, not global. If you volunteer at a local animal shelter, food bank, or tutoring center, you will have to be able to articulate how that work is important to the community that you live in. This component of the prompt can be challenging and will require some deep reflection. If you have trouble putting this into words, take a look at the organization’s website – nonprofits often include information about their history as well as a mission and/or a values statement. What do they say their work does to make the community better?
Aside from volunteering for an existing organization outside of school, you might be involved in an initiative or club in school. Maybe you even started a new one yourself. Or maybe you do things outside of an existing organization: you worked with the librarian to create a list of reading recommendations that focuses on inclusive titles. Or you and your best friend perform golden oldies for the residents of a local nursing home. Whatever you choose to write about, you’ll want to focus on how your contribution to the community is as valuable to others as it is to you.
Self-Awareness & Reflection
The University of California values students who are aware of their gifts and challenges and who have worked over time to better understand themselves in order to progress.
Life is going to throw everyone a curveball from time to time. Once you arrive on campus, you’ll be taking classes in subjects you haven’t studied before while living on your own in a new space in an unfamiliar environment that you will have to learn to navigate. So many things will go right – it will be an amazing experience. But things will also go wrong. The dorm washing machine will eat your quarters and not wash your clothes. Your research project might turn out to be based on a faulty assumption and will require you to restructure it from scratch under a tight deadline. Perhaps one of your relationships will turn out to need more work than you bargained for. Schools want to know that you can effectively problem-solve when faced with failures or roadblocks, and they will also be happy to learn whether you have elements of your life that feed your soul when the going gets rough.
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. [Prompt 2]
The University of California (UC) schools seek to understand the unique and personal ways in which applicants express their creativity in response to the prompt, “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. They are looking for genuine, reflective responses that reveal the applicant’s individuality and passion. Creativity can manifest in countless forms, from artistic endeavors such as painting, music, and writing, to innovative problem-solving in scientific research, engineering projects, or community initiatives. The UC schools want to see evidence of how applicants engage with their creative processes, the impact it has on their lives, and how it drives their ambitions. Descriptions of creative endeavors should highlight critical thinking, originality, and the ability to view challenges from unique perspectives. Moreover, UC schools are interested in understanding the personal growth and fulfillment derived from these creative activities. Keep in mind that UC Admissions prefer specific anecdotes and detailed narratives over vague generalities, as these provide deeper insights into understanding the student and their talents and abilities.
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? [Prompt 3]
The University of California seeks to understand not only what your standout talent or skill is, but also the journey you have undertaken to hone your skills. This essay offers a chance to highlight a distinctive aspect of your identity, illustrating how your talent or skill shapes your experiences and aspirations.
To effectively respond, begin by clearly identifying your greatest talent or skill. This could range from artistic abilities, athletic prowess, academic excellence, to interpersonal skills. Describe the initial discovery of this talent and the steps you have taken to cultivate it. Highlight specific instances where your talent or skill has made a significant impact, demonstrating your commitment and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
For example, if your talent is in public speaking, recount how you joined a debate team, practiced rigorously, and eventually led your team to victories. Explain the personal growth and confidence you gained, as well as how you utilized this skill in other areas of your life, such as mentoring peers or participating in community events.
The UC schools value detailed narratives. By sharing concrete examples and reflecting on the broader significance of your talent or skill, you can provide a compelling insight into your personal character which is important since there are no letters of recommendation for UC Schools.
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? [Prompt 5]
The admissions committee seeks to understand your resilience, problem-solving abilities, and personal growth. They are interested in how you navigate adversity, the strategies you employ to tackle difficulties, and the resulting impact on your academic journey.
To effectively respond, begin by clearly identifying a significant challenge you have faced. This could be a personal, familial, or academic obstacle that tested your determination and resourcefulness. Describe the context of the challenge, providing enough detail for the reader to grasp its magnitude.
Next, focus on the specific steps you took to overcome this challenge. Highlight your problem-solving skills, perseverance, and any support systems you utilize. For instance, if you struggled with a learning disability, you might discuss how you sought assistance from teachers, used specific study techniques, and maintained a positive mindset.
Reflect on how this challenge has influenced your academic achievement. Perhaps it motivated you to work harder, develop new skills, or gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Emphasize any improvements in your grades, increased confidence in your abilities, or a greater appreciation for education.
Students should talk about how the challenge impacted their academics and provide a timeline with details of their experiences. Since colleges will review the grades it makes sense to provide an explanation of the circumstances that might have prevented a student from working up to their true potential.
By sharing a genuine and reflective account of the challenges students can demonstrate their resilience and future potential.
Think Unique
If you haven’t already captured your best content in the categories above, then UC offers one additional essay.
Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? [Prompt 8]
The admissions committee is looking for a holistic view of your potential as a student and community member. They want to uncover unique aspects of your personality, experiences, and aspirations that haven’t been highlighted in other parts of your application. This prompt is your opportunity to present a well-rounded picture of yourself, emphasizing qualities and achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the UC environment.
To effectively respond, reflect on attributes or experiences that set you apart. This could include leadership roles, community service, personal projects, or life experiences that have shaped your perspective. Discuss how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities at UC. For example, you might describe a unique cultural background that has given you a distinct worldview, or a passion project that showcases your initiative and creativity.
Emphasize qualities like resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Illustrate how these traits have driven your actions and decisions, and how they align with the values and goals of the UC system.
Resources & Further Reading
Personal Insight Questions (University of California Admissions Office)
Personal Insight Questions: Guide for Freshman Applicants (University of California Admissions Office)