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:
Please describe how you have prepared for your intended major, including your readiness to succeed in your upper-division courses once you enroll at the university.
Reflect on Your Interest:
Timeline and Origins:
Create a detailed timeline of your academic journey. Identify specific moments or experiences that ignited your interest.
Example: “My fascination with psychology began in high school when I took an introductory course. A specific project on mental health awareness opened my eyes to the importance of understanding human behavior.”
Passion Development:
Discuss how your interest evolved over time. Have you taken any related courses, attended workshops, or pursued readings in your spare time?
Example: “I started volunteering at a local mental health clinic, where I saw firsthand the impact of psychological support, further solidifying my desire to pursue this field.”
Identify Relevant Experiences:
Academic Experiences:
Detail coursework that directly relates to your major. Discuss projects, research papers, or any academic achievements that are pertinent.
Example: “In my AP Psychology class, I conducted a research project on the effects of stress on academic performance, which deepened my understanding of psychological principles and research methodologies.”
Extracurricular and Practical Experience:
Mention any clubs, internships, volunteer experiences, or part-time jobs that have prepared you for this major. Highlight your roles and responsibilities.
Example: “As a volunteer at a crisis hotline, I developed active listening skills and learned how to provide support to individuals in distress, which is essential for a career in psychology.”
Discuss Readiness for Upper-Division Courses:
Skill Acquisition:
Identify specific skills you have developed that will help you in upper-division coursework. This might include critical thinking, research skills, or technical competencies.
Example: “My internship involved analyzing data for a mental health research project, honing my analytical skills and preparing me for advanced statistics courses.”
Mentorship and Networking:
If you’ve had any interactions with professors or professionals in the field, discuss how these experiences have enriched your understanding.
Example: “I shadowed a psychologist during my internship, gaining insight into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges in the field, which prepared me for the demands of higher-level studies.”
Conclude with Future Goals:
Academic and Career Aspirations:
Describe what you hope to achieve in your studies and future career. Be specific about the areas of your major that interest you most.
Example: “I aim to specialize in clinical psychology, focusing on anxiety disorders. I plan to engage in research and seek internship opportunities that allow me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings.”
Engagement with the UC Community:
Discuss how you plan to contribute to the UC community once enrolled. This could include clubs, research initiatives, or campus events.
Example: “I am excited to join the Psychology Club and contribute to mental health awareness campaigns on campus.”
Choose Three from the Following Questions:
Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time:
Identify the Context:
Choose a specific experience where you took on a leadership role. Describe the setting and your motivation for taking charge.
Example: “As president of the Environmental Club, I was driven by my passion for sustainability and a desire to effect change in our school’s practices.”
Responsibilities and Skills:
Detail your specific responsibilities. Highlight skills such as communication, organization, and conflict resolution.
Example: “I organized community clean-up events, coordinated meetings, and facilitated discussions among club members to foster collaboration and creativity.”
Impact and Reflection:
Discuss the outcomes of your leadership. How did your actions positively influence others? Reflect on what you learned from the experience.
Example: “Under my leadership, we increased club membership by 50%, and the clean-up events drew significant community participation. This taught me the importance of inclusivity and the value of teamwork.”
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:
Define Your Creativity:
Start with your personal definition of creativity. Explain its significance in your life.
Example: “Creativity, to me, is about finding unique solutions to challenges and expressing myself in innovative ways.”
Share Specific Examples:
Describe a specific project, artistic endeavor, or problem you solved creatively. Detail the process you went through.
Example: “In my art class, I created a mural that represented the theme of unity, involving fellow students in brainstorming sessions and incorporating their ideas into the design.”
Relate to Your Major:
Discuss how your creative skills connect to your intended major or career goals.
Example: “As I pursue a career in graphic design, my ability to think creatively and outside the box will be essential for developing impactful visual content.”
Greatest Talent or Skill:
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?:
Clearly state what your greatest talent or skill is and how you discovered it.
Example: “My greatest talent is my ability to connect with others, which I recognized during my role as a peer mentor.”
Development Over Time:
Discuss how you have nurtured this talent. Include specific experiences that illustrate your growth.
Example: “I attended workshops on active listening and conflict resolution, which enhanced my ability to support my peers effectively.”
Significance and Opportunities:
Reflect on why this talent is meaningful to you and how it has created opportunities in your academic or personal life.
Example: “This talent has allowed me to help my classmates navigate academic pressures, fostering a supportive environment that benefits us all.”
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced:
Choose an Experience:
Identify a significant educational opportunity (such as a special program) or a barrier (like a learning disability).
Example: “I had the opportunity to attend a summer robotics camp that introduced me to engineering concepts and practical applications.”
Describe the Impact:
Discuss how this experience enhanced your education or how you worked to overcome a barrier. Be specific about what you learned.
Example: “The camp ignited my passion for engineering and provided hands-on experience with coding and design, which motivated me to pursue advanced courses in this field.”
Reflection on Growth:
Reflect on how this experience has shaped your perspective and contributed to your growth as a student.
Example: “Participating in the camp taught me the importance of perseverance and collaboration in tackling complex problems, skills I apply in my academic pursuits.”
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?:
Identify the Challenge:
Describe a significant personal or academic challenge you faced. Provide context for why it was significant.
Example: “Balancing school and part-time work during my junior year was a major challenge that tested my time management skills.”
Steps Taken to Overcome:
Detail the specific steps you took to address this challenge. Discuss any resources you sought out.
Example: “I created a detailed schedule, prioritized tasks, and sought support from teachers when I needed to catch up on assignments.”
Outcome and Reflection:
Discuss how overcoming this challenge influenced your academic achievements and personal growth.
Example: “Successfully managing my responsibilities improved my grades and taught me the importance of resilience and effective time management.”
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?:
Define Your Community:
Clearly articulate what community means to you and the specific group you are addressing.
Example: “My community is my local neighborhood, where I have seen both the beauty and the challenges faced by families.”
Describe Your Actions:
Share specific actions you took to address an issue or make a positive impact. Explain your motivation.
Example: “I initiated a community garden project to promote healthy eating and bring neighbors together, inspired by my love for gardening and community involvement.”
Impact and Learning:
Reflect on the outcomes of your actions and what you learned from the experience.
Example: “The garden has become a gathering place for families, fostering connections and improving our community’s well-being. I learned about the power of grassroots efforts in driving change.”
Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?:
Identify Unique Aspects:
Reflect on your personal qualities, experiences, or achievements that differentiate you from other applicants.
Example: “As a first-generation college student, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my family's immigrant journey.”
Reflect on Your Fit:
Discuss how these unique aspects will enrich the UC community. Consider what you can contribute.
Example: “My experiences have taught me resilience and determination, which I hope to share with peers and inspire others in similar situations.”
Showcase Accomplishments:
Share any relevant achievements or experiences that highlight your potential and readiness for university life.
Example: “I have maintained a 4.0 GPA while working part-time, demonstrating my commitment to both academic excellence and personal responsibility.”
Tips
Choosing the Right Prompts: You’re required to respond to four out of eight provided prompts. When choosing which prompts to answer, consider selecting those that allow you to share unique experiences, personal growth, and values. The prompts cover a range of topics, including leadership experiences, creative projects, challenges you’ve overcome, educational opportunities you’ve taken advantage of, and more.
Crafting Your Responses: Each response is limited to 350 words, so it’s important to be concise while providing depth and detail. Focus on specific examples that highlight your character, problem-solving abilities, and impact on others. Rather than simply listing accomplishments, tell a story that illustrates how an experience shaped you or how you made a difference in your community or school.
Reflection and Growth: The admissions committee is interested in your ability to reflect on your experiences and what you’ve learned from them. When writing your responses, focus on how the experience influenced your development, values, and future goals. Show how you’ve grown from challenges and how you’ve applied lessons learned to other areas of your life.
Tone and Authenticity: Your tone should be authentic and reflect your true voice. Avoid overly formal language or trying to impress the reader with vocabulary. Instead, focus on being genuine and letting your personality shine through. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passions, quirks, and unique perspectives.
Revising and Editing: After drafting your responses, take time to revise and polish them. Pay attention to clarity, grammar, and flow. It can be helpful to have someone else read your responses and provide feedback on whether your message is coming across clearly and effectively.