UC Essay Prompts

Hey y'all! Does anyone know where I can find the UC essay prompts for this year? Are they the same as last year's, or do they change annually? I want to get a head start on brainstorming and drafting my essays, so any info would be awesome.

Hey there! The University of California system generally keeps the same Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) from year to year, so it's quite likely that this year's prompts will be the same as last year's. Just to be sure, you can always visit the University of California's official admissions website to double-check when they release the prompts for the current application cycle.

For your reference, here are the eight PIQs for applicants to answer (you need to pick four out of the eight to respond to):

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 or skill 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. Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you.

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?

Remember to focus on answering each prompt with a unique experience or aspect of your personality or background to really showcase your strengths and how you can contribute to the campus community at a UC school. Best of luck with your essays!