University of California Essay Prompts Changed

After several years of using the same essay prompts on their application, the University of California has announced new essay prompts for the fall.

In the past, applicants were asked to respond to three essay prompts which asked about how the applicant had taken advantage of academic opportunities and faced challenges.

The new UC application will ask applicants to answer two essay prompts, using 1,000 words or less. The new prompts are:

1. Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

2. Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

Sources in UC admissions have told me that the new prompts are designed partially to help UC readers get a clearer sense of applicants in the context of their communities and backgrounds. The new prompts will also give applicants more space to express their unique talents and achievements to UC readers.