2017-2018 University of California Essays

The 2017-2018 UC admissions essays have been released (photo credit: Satyriconi).

Wondering what the 2017-2018 University of California essays will be? Wonder no more. The 2017-2018 UC admissions essays will be essentially the same essay prompts as last year, with a few word changes here and there from what we can see. Students will be tasked with answering any four of the eight essay prompts in 350 words or less. And our students at Ivy Coach know well that when a school asks for 350 words or less, you want to give them 350 words. You want to use all of the real estate available to you in order to make your case.

We applaud the University of California for requiring students to submit 1,400 words in total. It’s one of the more extensive college applications, particularly among public universities. It’s reflective of the UC system wishing to get to know its applicants even though it’s such a big public school system. And for students who complete the Common Application, it’s quite easy to repurpose the 650-word Personal Statement into one of the 350-word essays.

So what are the 2017-2018 University of California essays, you ask? Without further ado, here they are for our readers:

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.  

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.  

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

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

5. 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?

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

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

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?