What are the UC college application essay prompts for this year?

The University of California (UC) application uses what are called Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) instead of a traditional personal statement. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the prompts remain unchanged from previous years. You'll need to select and respond to 4 out of the 8 possible prompts. Each response should be a maximum of 350 words.

Here are the current UC Personal Insight Questions:

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 a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

There is no official preference for which four you choose—pick those that best showcase your unique experiences and strengths. The UC system also offers tips and guidance for answering each question on their website: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/applying-as-a-freshman/personal-insight-questions.html

Planning ahead is a smart move! Consider jotting down ideas for each prompt to see which ones you feel most motivated or prepared to answer. If you need help brainstorming or drafting, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback. Many students start a draft over the summer so they can revise calmly in the fall. Good luck with your application process!