By Cole Filipek
Introduction
Whether you're a high school junior or senior, we're here to provide you with valuable insights and guidance to help you succeed in your college application journey. In this blog post, we'll break down the key points discussed in the webinar and provide you with examples and tips to create standout UC application essays and activities descriptions. If you’d like to watch the video - “University of California: Essays, Activities List Tips and Tricks” - please use this link.
UC Application Overview
The UC application process is unique, focusing on several key components:
1. **GPA and AP Test Scores:** These academic metrics carry significant weight in the UC application review process.
2. **Personal Insight Questions (PIQs):** Four out of eight available prompts, each with a 350-word limit, allow you to showcase your personality, experiences, and growth.
3. **Activities List:** This section provides an opportunity to highlight your extracurricular involvements and achievements.
4. **Additional Information:** This optional section allows you to explain any special circumstances or challenges that affected your academic performance.
Crafting Outstanding Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
When tackling the PIQs, it's essential to focus on telling a compelling story rather than strictly adhering to the prompts. Here's an example of a common prompt:
*Prompt 7: What have you done to make your school or community a better place?*
**Mistake:** Ignoring the prompts and focusing solely on the school or community improvement vs the challenge and personal development these activities resulted in.
**Tip:** To create impactful PIQs, encourage students to write about challenges, changes, failures, or personal growth experiences. Avoid the temptation to simply address the prompt directly.
Strong PIQ response:
*"Prompt 7: What have you done to make your school or community a better place?"*
*During my sophomore year, I took on the responsibility of leading a school-wide recycling initiative. However, my initial enthusiasm quickly turned into frustration as I faced logistical challenges, lack of support, and even resistance from some students. Instead of giving up, I persevered, working tirelessly to educate my peers about the importance of recycling and organizing engaging awareness campaigns. Over time, I witnessed a positive shift in our school's environmental consciousness, demonstrating the power of persistence and advocacy.*
What makes this strong is the student clearly articulates not just the challenge she faced, but how they made her feel. This makes her incredibly more human and relatable to the admissions committee.
The Art of Writing Impactful Essays
Admitting challenges, mistakes, and weaknesses can make for incredibly strong essays. Admissions officers want to see authentic and relatable individuals who have learned from their experiences. Here's a checklist for writing impactful essays:
- Admit challenges and mistakes.
- Show personal growth and development.
- Demonstrate likability and relatability.
- Convey your authentic self.
- Use specific details and examples.
Activities List: Show, Don't Tell
The Activities List is your chance to provide a snapshot of your extracurricular involvements. Use this section wisely by offering specific details that showcase your commitment, leadership, and impact within each activity. Remember, it's not about listing activities; it's about highlighting what's interesting and meaningful about them
**Sample Activity Description (Before):**
- *Game Design Class (12th Grade): Took a community college course specializing in game design during school break.*
**Sample Activity Description (After):**
- *Game Design Class (12th Grade): Enrolled in a summer community college course to delve into the world of game design. My project, an eight-bit exploration adventure, involved designing experience and reward systems. While I faced the challenge of implementing complex systems, the most rewarding part was watching my classmates enjoy playing my game. I continue to fine-tune and expand my creation, driven by my passion for game design.*
The Additional Information Section
The Additional Information section is a valuable space to address special circumstances that might have affected your academic performance. Use this section to provide context and explanations, but keep it concise. Admissions officers appreciate honesty and transparency.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Crafting exceptional UC application essays and activities descriptions is essential to stand out in the competitive college admissions process. Remember to:
- Take your time and revise thoroughly.
- Write thoughtfully in the activities section.
- Be honest and avoid exaggeration.
- Use the Additional Information section wisely.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We're here. Link to UC Tips and Tricks here.