College Essay Series: Writing the UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 It can be overwhelming for students to start the UC Application and learn that the University of California wants them to write not one but four essays. Each essay should be no more than 350 words in length, and students can’t reuse their Common App Personal Statement. Not to worry! Robert Powers, […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Outstanding Characteristic Essay (UC Prompt #8)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 In this week’s installment of our college essay blog series, we’ll go over the eighth and final essay prompt from the University of California Application: “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 […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Community Improvement Essay (UC Prompt #7)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 In this week’s installment of our college essay blog series, we’ll go over the seventh essay prompt from the University of California Application: “What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?” This doesn’t need to be a community service essay. Check the prompt: They want to […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Academic Interest Essay (UC Prompt #6)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 Students who truly love a school subject can’t get enough of it in the classroom, so they will continue learning and applying their knowledge outside the classroom. The sixth essay prompt from the University of California Application invites students to discuss this: Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Personal Challenge Essay (UC Prompt #5)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 Students who have started the Personal Statement may have already started to reflect on the personal challenges that have affected them in high school. As it turns out, there is a UC prompt that addresses this topic as well: Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Educational Opportunity or Barrier Essay (UC Prompt #4)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 Telling the story of an educational journey can be a chance to show how you take an active approach to your own learning. Whether you overcame a challenge or seized a new opportunity, writing about this topic tells the admissions reader about your ability to make the most of a college experience […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Talent/Skill Essay (UC Prompt #3)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 The number one mistake students make on this essay is showing (or worse, telling about) a talent that’s been mostly easy for them in high school. College essays should show change over time, so it’s important to write an essay that shows you struggling, improving, and working for your success. In this […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Creativity Essay (UC Prompt #2)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 All students are able to write essays about creativity because they all express themselves. In fact, it’s stated directly in the second essay prompt of the University of California Application: Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Leadership Essay (UC Prompt #1)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 The first college essay prompt of the eight University of California Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) is about leadership. Many students receive the prompt with alarm, especially those students without formal leadership positions, not to mention the students who are on the shyer end of the introvert/extrovert spectrum. But, not to worry! This […]
5 Tips for Writing Stellar UC Essays
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 The University of California’s Personal Insight Questions — I just call them “UC essays” — require a different approach than the Common App Personal Statement. It’s not just because they’re shorter (UC essays are 350 words each) and it’s not just because there are more of them (students choose four of eight […]