Has anyone used College Essay Guy's resources for UC essays?

College Essay Guy’s resources have become popular because they break down the UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) in a clear, practical way—especially if you’re stuck on structure or how to make your story stand out.

I’ve personally used his PIQ-specific guides and can say they’re really helpful in clarifying the expectations for each prompt. For example, he explains that you don’t have to answer the prompts like a traditional essay, and encourages students to use a more direct, storytelling approach, or even a “montage” style to weave together different experiences.

One of the biggest perks is his approach to brainstorming. College Essay Guy offers lists of example topics, question breakdowns, and exercises to help you find ideas that are unique to you, rather than going for overused stories. For instance, if you’re considering a typical community service topic, his materials push you to dive deeper—maybe focus on a specific moment during your service, or a surprising lesson, instead of a general summary.

The actual templates and outlines give you a sense of how much detail to include and how to keep your PIQs focused and under the 350-word limit. They’re especially good at breaking down what admissions officers might be looking for: self-reflection, evidence of your impact, and personal growth.

That said, these resources are most helpful if you use them as a starting point rather than an exact formula. UC PIQs are evaluated more on substance and authenticity than beautiful prose. If using his videos and worksheets gets your ideas flowing, that’s a win. But don’t be afraid to adapt the advice so your essays sound 100% like you.

The biggest tip for UC essays: zero in on a moment or experience that genuinely shaped you and get specific about your actions, motivations, and growth. For example, instead of writing "I learned leadership as captain of my soccer team," try focusing on the time you had to mediate a conflict between teammates and what you learned from that challenge.

In summary: College Essay Guy’s resources make it easier to brainstorm and shape your responses, especially if you’re lost, but whatever you use—focus on being specific, reflective, and true to your own experience.