Applications & exam practice
Models for application questions and published examination assignments.
UC PIQ 3: Describing a Talent or Skill You Developed
An illustrative first-person essay about developing careful observation through practice, mistakes, and reflection.
UC PIQ 8: What Makes You a Strong UC Applicant?
An original illustrative response about intellectual curiosity, careful listening, and changing one’s mind when new details complicate an initial interpretation.
Common App Belief Essay: A Time You Reconsidered an Idea
An illustrative reflective essay about questioning the belief that asking for help reveals a lack of ability, and learning to treat questions as part of careful thinking.
UC PIQ 7: Making Your School or Community Better
An illustrative response showing how to identify a community need, collaborate on a practical response, describe an observable benefit, and reflect on what changed.
UC PIQ 5: A Significant Challenge and Its Academic Effects
An illustrative first-person response showing how to connect a personal challenge to concrete actions, academic effects, support, and reflection.