University of California System (All 9 Undergraduate Campuses)

2026-27 · UC Portal

Auto-compiled from official sources, August 2026 — confirm on the application.

Regular Decision November 30, 2026
  1. activity elaboration350 words (hard cap)required (choose 4 of 8)
    Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
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  2. creative quirky350 words (hard cap)required (choose 4 of 8)
    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.
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  3. roommate personal350 words (hard cap)required (choose 4 of 8)
    What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
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  4. challenge adversity350 words (hard cap)required (choose 4 of 8)
    Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
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  5. challenge adversity350 words (hard cap)required (choose 4 of 8)
    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?
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  6. why major350 words (hard cap)required (choose 4 of 8)
    Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
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  7. community identity350 words (hard cap)required (choose 4 of 8)
    What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
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  8. short take350 words (hard cap)required (choose 4 of 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 University of California?
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Covers all 9 UC campuses (Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, Davis, Irvine, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Riverside, Merced). Confirmed no campus-specific essays exist. Application submission window Oct 1 - Nov 30.

Source: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/applying-as-a-freshman/personal-insight-questions.html