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
- 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.
Review my draft - 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.
Review my draft - 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?
Review my draft - 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.
Review my draft - 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?
Review my draft - 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.
Review my draft - community identity350 words (hard cap)required (choose 4 of 8)
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
Review my draft - 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?
Review my draft
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.