UC Personal Statement Prompts
Question #1: Focus on Academic Preparation
Rationale: The University seeks to enroll students who take initiative in
pursuing their education (for example, developing a special interest in
science, language or the performing arts, or becoming involved in special
programs such as AVID or other similar programs). The question seeks to
understand a studentÂ’s motivation and dedication to learning.
Question: How have you taken advantage of the education opportunities you
have had to prepare for college?
Question #2: Focus on Potential to Contribute
Rationale: UC welcomes the contributions each student brings to the campus
learning community. This questions seeks to determine an applicantÂ’s
academic or creative interests and potential to contribute to the vitality
of
the University.
Question: Tell us about a talent, experience, contribution or personal
quality you will bring to the University of California.
Question #3: Open-Ended Question
Rationale: This question seems to give students the opportunity to share
important aspects of their schooling or their lives-such as personal
circumstances, family experiences and opportunities that were or not
available at their school-which may not have been sufficiently addressed
elsewhere in the application.
Question: Is there anything you would like us to know about you or your
academic record that you have not had the opportunity to describe elsewhere
in this application?
Applicants will respond to these three questions using a total of 1,000
words. One of the questions should be given an extended answer of at least
600 words. The student may choose which question will receive the extended
response. The remaining two questions should be answered in approximately
200 words each.
