If you are just starting to write your four short UC essays (called Personal Insight Questions), here are ten simple tips that can help you crank them out.
I’ve written longer posts on how to brainstorm and map out answers for each of these questions for the University of California application, if you have the time and inclination. Find them here.
Too busy to read all those posts? No worries. (more…)
As you probably know, the University of California changed its required essay prompts for 2016-17.
Instead of writing two longer personal statement essays, you now chose from eight prompts (which they call Personal Insight Questions) and write four short essays, each under 350 words. (For incoming freshmen; transfer students have similar, yet slightly different requirement.)
The University of California recently shared several videos intended to help students understand what is expected from these new Personal Insight Questions prompts. (more…)
This year marks my 30th year living in California.
I love this state! I moved here from across the country to join my future husband in 1986, and never looked back.
The people are welcoming and forward-minded (for the most part), the dramatic natural beauty of ocean, mountains and dessert is everywhere, and the weather is near-perfect.
Also, California’s public educational system is unsurpassed, from the network of community colleges to the Cal States to its world-class research and learning universities, like Berkeley and UCLA.
(more…)
I hope everyone applying to any of the University of California schools this fall got the big news: They have all new essay prompts for 2016-17!
Instead of writing two longer essays, incoming freshmen now are required to write four shorter essays—and have eight new prompts, called Personal Insight Questions, to choose from.
Since the big announcement this spring, I’ve written eight new posts on each of the new UC essays.
I’ve listed them all together here (below) in this post so you can find them easily. (more…)
UC essay prompt 7: What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
The minute I read UC essay prompt 7, I thought most students would jump at this question because most have spent endless hours volunteering during high school.
Now it’s time to recall some of your most interesting or meaningful “times” or experiences.
You could write a strong essay about giving back, but you have to be careful to avoid the cliche trap.The trick is to think of something unusual or unexpected that happened during one of those experiences.
UC Essay Prompt 6:6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
Well, this is probably the most straightforward of the eight Personal Insight Questions (which I call essay prompts) that the University of California admissions has to offer wannabe freshmen for 2016-17.
It’s also your best chance, similar to UC essay prompt 4, to showcase your passion for learning.
When you read UC essay prompt 6, did an answer pop into your head immediately?
If so, this could be a no-brainer essay for you to write. (more…)
