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College Application
Essays Writing a solid essay is the key to
getting into top colleges. But it’s not just the wording and vocabulary and
writing style. What a lot of people fail to do is choose the right topic to
write about. Find out what topics are winners. TIPS: 1) Don’t go off topic. Get to the
point and answer the question: the biggest problem is most kids write about
stuff that does not apply / irrelevant 2) These essays tell the college
something about you that isn’t shown in your academic record 3) These are NOT CREATIVE WRITING
ESSAYS. Do not write some dramatic story. 4) “Show don’t
tell” does NOT MEAN you are writing a novel: readers look through thousands
of applications, with 4 essays on each app. They don’t have time to read
novels. 5) No unrealistic accomplishments,
and do not make things up 6) Everyone “works hard” and
“strives” to do their best. No need to tell that on your essay.
UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA 2021 CHOOSE 4 350 words MAX 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. Things to
consider: A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being
a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or
taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you
accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your
responsibilities? Did you
lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading
others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church,
in your community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn’t
necessarily have to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help
out or take care of your family? 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. Things to
consider: What does creativity mean to you? Do you have a creative skill that
is important to you? What have you been able to do with that skill? If you
used creativity to solve a problem, what was your solution? What are the
steps you took to solve the problem? How does
your creativity influence your decisions inside or outside the classroom?
Does your creativity relate to your major or a future career? 3. What would you say is your
greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent
over time? Things to
consider: If there’s a talent or skill that you’re proud of, this is the time
to share it. You don’t necessarily have to be recognized or have received
awards for your talent (although if you did and you want to talk about it,
feel free to do so). Why is this talent or skill meaningful to you? Does the
talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or
talent? Does your talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the
classroom? If so, what are they and how do they fit into your schedule? 4. Describe how you have taken
advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an
educational barrier you have faced. Things to
consider: An educational opportunity can be anything that has added value to
your educational experience and better prepared you for college. For example,
participation in an honors or academic enrichment program, or enrollment in
an academy that’s geared toward an occupation or a major, or taking advanced
courses that interest you — just to name a few. If you
choose to write about educational barriers you’ve faced, how did you overcome
or strive to overcome them? What personal characteristics or skills did you
call on to overcome this challenge? How did overcoming this barrier help
shape who you are today? 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? Things to
consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your
community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good
opportunity to talk about any obstacles you’ve faced and what you’ve learned
from the experience. Did you have support from someone else or did you handle
it alone? If you’re
currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now, and
does that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, “How
has my life changed at home, at my school, with my friends or with my
family?” 6.
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you
have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. Things to
consider: Many students have a passion
for one specific academic subject area, something that they just can’t get
enough of. If that applies to you, what have you done to further that
interest? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any
experience you have had inside and outside the classroom — such as volunteer
work, internships, employment, summer programs, participation in student
organizations and/or clubs — and what you have gained from your involvement. Has your
interest in the subject influenced you in choosing a major and/or future
career? Have you been able to pursue coursework at a higher level in this
subject (honors, AP, IB, college or university work)? Are you inspired to
pursue this subject further at UC, and how might you do that? 7. What have you done to make your
school or your community a better place?
Things to
consider: Think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a
place — like your high school, hometown or home. You can define community as
you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. Was
there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community? Why were
you inspired to act? What did you learn from your effort? How did your
actions benefit others, the wider community or both? Did you work alone or
with others to initiate change in your community? 8. Beyond what has already been
shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a
strong candidate for admissions to the Things to
consider: If there’s anything you want
us to know about you, but didn’t find a question or place in the application
to tell us, now’s your chance. What have you not shared with us that will
highlight a skill, talent, challenge or opportunity that you think will help
us know you better? From your
point of view, what do you feel makes you an excellent choice for UC? Don’t
be afraid to brag a little. (C)
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