University of California, Berkeley

Essay Requirements

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Academic Requirements

Essay Requirements

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Essay Requirements

Rather than having to write one longer essay, applicants to the University of California, Berkeley and all other UC schools submit four shorter essays (up to 350 words) in response to prompts freely selected from a list of eight Personal Insight Questions. The questions are wide ranging, designed to help you introduce yourself to the school and tell them about your aptitudes, leadership qualities, community service, or other extracurricular activities, interests, or skills.

Short Answer Questions

You must respond to four of the eight prompts offered, and each response can have a maximum of 350 words. See the Personal Insight Questions page provided by UC Admissions for additional guidance.

Slide 1 of 9

350 words maximum
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.
350 words maximum
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.
350 words maximum
3.
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
350 words maximum
4.
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
350 words maximum
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?
350 words maximum
6.
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
350 words maximum
7.
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
350 words maximum
8.
Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

Helpful Resources

Perfect Personal Essays

You’ll find a quick overview of important tips and pointers for how to approach your essays, formatting guidelines, and more, along with a link to our free eBook: Perfect Personal Essay 2023, filled with expert advice and strategies to help ensure your essays stand out!

How To Format & Structure Your College Application Essay

Your essays are a chance for admissions officers to get to know you beyond your grades, test scores, and ECLs. But how do you craft essays that reflect who you are AND impress the admissions officers?

Everything You Need To Know About The Supplemental Essays

Supplemental essays are required by many highly selective institutions in addition to the personal essay included in your Common Application. You can learn all about what they are and why they’re important here.

University of California, Berkeley

Essay Requirements

Essay Requirements

Short Answer Questions

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Helpful Resources

Perfect Personal Essays

How To Format & Structure Your College Application Essay

Everything You Need To Know About The Supplemental Essays

Get Your Essay Reviewed

Feel confident when submitting your college application essay by getting it reviewed by a professional admissions expert.