What questions should I expect on the UC application?

Hey friends! I'm a junior and am planning to apply to some UC schools next year. Can you give me an idea of what kind of questions I should expect on the UC application? I want to start preparing early. Thank you!

Hello! It's great that you're planning ahead for the UC application. While the exact questions can vary slightly year to year, the UC application does tend to have an overall similar format year to year. For example, you'll definitely be asked to provide basic information about yourself, your academic history, and your family. Additionally, you'll be asked to report your extracurricular activities, awards, and honors.

A key part of the UC application is the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). Standardly, there are eight PIQs to choose from, and you'll need to respond to four of them, with each response being no more than 350 words. The prompts cover various aspects of your life, interests, and experiences. Here are the current prompts to give you an idea of what to expect:

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?

Keep in mind that these prompts can change from year to year, but they generally focus on similar themes. While I wouldn't recommend actually starting to write your responses just yet, as you don't want your hard work to go to waste if the prompts end up changing, you can do some initial brainstorming by reviewing CollegeVine's breakdown of the PIQs: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-california-essays. The date to circle is August 1st before your senior year, as that's when the prompts for that applications cycle will officially be released.

Next year, once you have solid drafts, keep in mind that CollegeVine offers both a free peer essay review service and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors. Sometimes, getting a second set of eyes on your response is just the thing that takes it from good to great.

Good luck with your application!