University of California, San Diego

What are UC San Diego’s supplemental essay prompts?

The University of California application uses Personal Insight Questions. Applicants choose four of the eight prompts, and each response can be up to 350 words.

Prompt #1

Describe an example of a leadership experience in which you’ve positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.

Prompt #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.

Prompt #3

What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

Prompt #4

Describe how you’ve taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you’ve faced.

Prompt #5

Describe the most significant challenge you’ve faced and the steps you’ve taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

Prompt #6

Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you’ve furthered this interest inside and/or outside the classroom.

Prompt #7

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

Prompt #8

Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?