What are the University of California, Berkeley supplemental essays for 2024, and how should I approach them?
I'm a rising senior hoping to apply to UC Berkeley for Fall 2024, and I'm starting to plan my essays early. I've looked on their admissions site, but I'm a little confused—do they have separate supplemental essays besides the UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)?
If there are specific prompts for Berkeley, could someone share them or explain how they're different from the general UC prompts? I really want to make my application stand out, especially since Berkeley is my dream school.
Also, any suggestions on how I should approach the PIQs or strategies that worked for past applicants would be really appreciated. I’m involved in robotics and debate, if that helps for context. Just trying not to stress too much while figuring this out!
If there are specific prompts for Berkeley, could someone share them or explain how they're different from the general UC prompts? I really want to make my application stand out, especially since Berkeley is my dream school.
Also, any suggestions on how I should approach the PIQs or strategies that worked for past applicants would be really appreciated. I’m involved in robotics and debate, if that helps for context. Just trying not to stress too much while figuring this out!
1 month ago
•
41 views
Joana Lepuri
• 1 month ago
Advisor
Great questions—applying to UC Berkeley as a rising senior is an exciting step, and it’s smart to start early! To clarify, UC Berkeley does not have its own set of supplemental essays. All UC campuses, including Berkeley, use the same application, which asks you to answer four out of eight Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). So, you won’t need to write college-specific essays for Berkeley like you might for some private universities.
The PIQs are designed to help you showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Each prompt asks about a specific aspect of your life, interests, or background. The topics range from leadership, creativity, and overcoming challenges, to academic passions and personal insights. You select the four prompts that best allow you to share your story, and each response has a maximum of 350 words.
Given your involvement in robotics and debate, you can really demonstrate depth and individuality by choosing prompts that let you talk about unique experiences in those activities. For example, prompt #4 ("Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity..."), or #2 ("Describe how you express your creative side..."), could lend themselves to robotics—maybe you designed a new mechanism or mentored others. For debate, prompt #1 (leadership) or #8 (what sets you apart) might be good fits, especially if you led your team or used debate to address a personal challenge.
As you brainstorm, avoid clichéd or overly general stories (like simply winning a competition or working hard during the season). Admissions officers want depth—think of singular moments: maybe a heated debate round forced you to see an issue from both sides, or a project setback in robotics led to creative problem-solving with your team. Sharing these specific, personal stories will make you memorable.
Successful essays are honest, reflective, and specific. Ask yourself: What did I learn? How did I grow? How does this experience reflect who I am now and who I want to become at Berkeley?
Finally, leave time for revision. Have a teacher, counselor, or trusted friend give feedback, and always link your experiences back to your growth, values, and goals.
If you want more personal advice or feedback on drafts, Sundial Essay Review can offer deeper support along the way. Good luck—you're off to a strong start!
The PIQs are designed to help you showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Each prompt asks about a specific aspect of your life, interests, or background. The topics range from leadership, creativity, and overcoming challenges, to academic passions and personal insights. You select the four prompts that best allow you to share your story, and each response has a maximum of 350 words.
Given your involvement in robotics and debate, you can really demonstrate depth and individuality by choosing prompts that let you talk about unique experiences in those activities. For example, prompt #4 ("Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity..."), or #2 ("Describe how you express your creative side..."), could lend themselves to robotics—maybe you designed a new mechanism or mentored others. For debate, prompt #1 (leadership) or #8 (what sets you apart) might be good fits, especially if you led your team or used debate to address a personal challenge.
As you brainstorm, avoid clichéd or overly general stories (like simply winning a competition or working hard during the season). Admissions officers want depth—think of singular moments: maybe a heated debate round forced you to see an issue from both sides, or a project setback in robotics led to creative problem-solving with your team. Sharing these specific, personal stories will make you memorable.
Successful essays are honest, reflective, and specific. Ask yourself: What did I learn? How did I grow? How does this experience reflect who I am now and who I want to become at Berkeley?
Finally, leave time for revision. Have a teacher, counselor, or trusted friend give feedback, and always link your experiences back to your growth, values, and goals.
If you want more personal advice or feedback on drafts, Sundial Essay Review can offer deeper support along the way. Good luck—you're off to a strong start!
Joana Lepuri
Chicago, IL
University of Chicago B.A. in Political Science, Public Policy, 2021 | Loyola University Chicago School of Law J.D., 2027
Experience
7 years