2016-2017 University of California Application Essay Questions

Hello everyone!

The University of California is changing its application essays for this coming admission season. The two required essays with 1,000 word limits are being replaced by eight short-answer essays with 350 word limits. Freshmen applicants will have to choose four to answer while transfers will only have to answer three.

The eight questions are:

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. Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you.

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

8. What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates applying to the University of California?

The new application likely means a bit more work for this year’s applicants, but it should mean improved admission chances for those who truly wish to attend a UC and aren’t taking a “scatter shot” approach of targeting several dozen schools. It doesn’t matter which four essays you choose to write (or three if you’re a transfer) and the increased flexibility with the choices should allow you to better map out your candidacy and determine which essays will be best to highlight your strengths, mitigate any weaknesses or further develop your particular story themes and wow factors.

The most difficult part will likely be choosing the essays to write. The upside? We believe this introspection can be useful in helping you determine your best-fit schools!

The second most difficult part will likely be adhering to the 350-word limits. The upside? The most effective essays are generally shorter and writing succinctly is an important life skill to develop!

Best of luck with your applications!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com

AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800

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