How helpful are College Essay Guy resources for writing UC PIQs?

College Essay Guy is popular for a reason: his resources can definitely help demystify the UC PIQ process, especially if you're new to reflective writing or feeling stuck on brainstorming. His exercises—like the Values List or the "Essence Objects" brainstorm—are great for helping you dig deeper into your life and generate concrete details. These strategies often make it easier to uncover genuine stories that are unique to you, which is exactly what the UCs want.

That said, it’s important to remember that the purpose of his tools is to get you thinking, not to lock you into a formula. If you follow his methods too rigidly, your essays can sometimes feel a bit generic, especially if you use the same structure or phrasing that a lot of applicants get from those free guides. The key is to use his advice as a jumping-off point and then personalize everything. For example, after using the "Essence Objects" exercise, you might realize your old bus pass represents your independence; that could spark a distinctive story about navigating LA’s public transit as a teenager, which sets you apart more than a general 'overcoming challenges' essay ever could.

When it comes to choosing experiences for PIQ prompts, my advice is to prioritize moments where something changed for you—an unexpected challenge, a new perspective, or a risk you took. Think small and specific, rather than big and broad. For example, instead of writing about 'leadership' as a club president, maybe write about the day you mediated a conflict between two teammates, what you learned, and how you grew from it. Readers remember vivid moments, not just titles and achievements.

To sum up: College Essay Guy’s tools really help spark ideas and self-reflection, but your best PIQs will come from stories that feel raw and real to you, especially if you focus on moments of personal insight. Take what works, and don’t be afraid to adapt the advice so your essays sound like you—not anyone else.