Personal Insight Questions

The "Personal Insight Questions" section of the UC application allows you to showcase your individuality and experiences. You will choose four out of eight prompts to answer, with each response limited to 350 words. Focus on sharing personal stories, challenges you've overcome, achievements, or insights that reflect your values, interests, and goals. This is your opportunity to provide context for your academic history and highlight qualities that make you a strong candidate. Be authentic, specific, and thoughtful in your responses, as they help the admissions committee understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

Example PIQs:

Example #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.

My first ever job was for [id] where I assembled [id]. For most of this project, I spent my time in a white-washed room with [id] people repeating the same task. Although it was a mind-numbing and excruciatingly slow process, it felt like I was doing something good and making a positive difference in society.


Deep in my mind, however, I thought there had to be a better way to do things. It felt like the time spent preparing [id] was inefficient. Getting supplies from each box at the front of the room took time away from the project. I eventually started thinking about what I could change about this situation to create [id] faster. Then finally, it clicked. It was time to implement an assembly line.


The next day, I brought the idea up to my team that if each person spent their time focused on one step of the production process, the work would become much more efficient. Nearly everyone was on board with the idea except for one person. He was the most senior in the group, and he made some points about why the process should not change. I heard and understood him, but I tried to convince him to give it a shot. Eventually, he gave in, and I got everyone in their respective positions with their required supplies. The change was almost immediate. With everyone only having to focus on one piece of the puzzle, we could put together many more testing kits.


This leadership experience was an impactful moment in my life. It was not just that it was successful, with the efficiency of our operation increasing tremendously, allowing us to produce more [id]. More than that, I learned that I could persuade a group of people, all with different priorities, to give my idea a chance. Because of this, I have gained more trust in my ideas and have built up the confidence to speak up if I believe there is a better way to do things. 

Example #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.

Creativity, for me, is the willingness to try new things and solve problems on the fly.


This January, I came across a jackpot item: $74 round-trip tickets to [id]. I had never flown with my friends before, but this opportunity was too good to pass up. After hastily convincing my friends, we all bought plane tickets and prepared for our spontaneous adventure.


We landed in [id] at midnight with the original plan to save money by sleeping at the airport that night. However, my friend's eyes were getting irritated from his contact lenses. Knowing he wouldn't have a comfortable evening in the airport, I found a bus route, and we headed into the unknown on a mission to find a contact solution. Eventually, we made it to a CVS, and my friend's eyes were free from irritation.


Unfortunately, it was 5 a.m., and we were in a new city with empty stomachs. Not wanting the trip to turn sour, I searched for somewhere for us to go that was within budget. Fortunately, there was a [id] a couple of miles away. After this, we continued our trip, stopping at [id] and eating [id].


A new issue arose around midday after a sleepless night and an action-packed morning. The sleepiness was beginning to get to us. I located a secluded area in [id], and we took a nap to the sound of bagpipes playing in the background.


Recharged from sleep, we noticed a commotion in the streets. There was a full-on parade occurring [id]. Finally, we ended the night with a stroll through [id] to say our final goodbyes to [id] and took the bus back to the airport to sleep and be ready for our flight home the following day.


Through this adventure, I learned a lot about how I can solve problems in new and uncomfortable environments. Even when things do not go according to plan, I am always willing to find solutions and make the most out of every possible moment.

Example #3:

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.

Every person has a creative side that can be expressed in various ways, including problem-solving, innovative thinking, and artistic endeavors. For me, this creativity flourishes in the kitchen, particularly when preparing one of my favorite dishes: orange chicken. The harmonious blend of 1 tablespoon of garlic, 1/4 tablespoon of chili flakes, and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil fills me with anticipation as I cook. The sweet, tangy, and spicy aroma evokes comforting memories of family gatherings. In our household, cooking is a cherished tradition, and most of our meals are homemade, which has strengthened my bonds with both friends and family.


My infatuation with cooking began during countless hours spent watching the Food Network and observing my family in the kitchen. While many view cooking as a necessity, I perceive it as an intricate art form. For example, baking requires precise techniques—too much or too little whisking or improper timing can drastically affect the final product. Conversely, cooking can also be straightforward and inviting for novice chefs, depending on the complexity of the dish.


My culinary journey started with simple meals like omelets and ramen. Though these dishes may seem trivial, they were liberating experiences that allowed me the freedom to create whatever I desired. This newfound independence sparked my passion for experimenting with new recipes. As I learned to prepare more complex dishes like orange chicken and Korean barbecue, my culinary horizons expanded. Mastering these recipes taught me to improvise and adapt, reinforcing the idea that in the kitchen, my only limitations are my imagination and creativity.


This understanding fuels my excitement for exploring new recipes to share with my loved ones. Cooking not only allows me to express my creativity but also serves as a way to connect with those around me. Whether through a comforting family meal or an adventurous new dish, I continue to embrace the artistic journey that cooking provides.


The Required Question:

Choose Three from the Following Questions:

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