by Kathleen M. The UC PIQ number eight is open-ended and asks you what else you “believe makes you a strong candidate for the University of California.” So what kinds of responses might go here? Remember you want to balance the kinds of stories you are telling for the four responses, so if you have covered academics, your major, your volunteer service, your sport in the other questions – now
by Kathleen M. When you start to think about the UC PIQ 7: What have you done to make your school or community a better place?, focus on the word “better” and a little less on “done.” What would it mean for you to make a place better? How would you show that you had improved the place? For example: I made my softball team into a better place by
by Drew C. UC prompt #8: 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? Sometimes opened-ended prompts are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the question frees you up to write about almost anything, including how great you are. On the other hand, that very freedom can easily lead you astray, because
by Molly R. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? Things to consider: Think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place like your high school, hometown or home. You can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. Was there a problem that you wanted to fix
by Sarah M. UC prompt #6: Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside the classroom. This is an ideal topic for students with a longstanding intellectual passion, but writing it well can be a bit tricky. First of all, if you love a topic and know a lot about it, it can be tempting to write an essay about
by Michelle P. UC Prompt #5 asks: 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? As a hopeful applicant for a UC, students may see this prompt with relief and understanding that colleges do not expect all applicants to have a perfect record on their grades. Of course, having a strong academic
by Drew C. UC prompt #4: Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. This one is a double prompt, so choose your own adventure. You could write about your favorite honors course, a special trip you took, an after-school activity, or anything else that shaped you into the student you are today. On the other hand,
by Lillie W. UC Prompt #3: What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? Chances are, you know very well what your greatest talent or skill is. What popped into your head when you read this prompt? Likely, that’s your answer. But if this question intrigues you yet you’re wavering on what to name as your niftiest gift,
by Molly R. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time. This is a place for applicants to think about when they were leaders. Have you been a leader at school? At a community event? At home? Leadership roles can happen anywhere; they don’t need to just happen at school. Perhaps you took on
