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Personal Insight Questions could be arguably one of the most important factors in application.
Need some advice on where to start? Scroll down and find what's right for you.
Part 1 : Choosing the Right PIQs
There are 3 out 7 prompts you have the option to choose from you can find here.
One prompt is mandatory for transfer students to take.
Choose prompts to write that will showcase factors mentioned below!
UC wants to see how you’ve prepared for your major through coursework, research, internships, or independent projects. If you discovered your major later, explain what inspired your choice and how you’ve built the necessary skills.
Highlight specific classes, academic experiences, or extracurriculars that show your readiness for upper-division coursework. The goal is to demonstrate your commitment to and preparation for success in your chosen field.
UC values resilience, so share an academic, financial, or personal challenge and how you overcame it. Focus on the steps you took, such as seeking support, improving a skill, or balancing responsibilities.
Rather than just describing hardships, emphasize personal growth and how the experience strengthened your academic motivation. Show that you can handle obstacles and thrive in a university setting.
Leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about taking initiative and making a difference in your school, workplace, or community. Whether you mentored peers, organized events, or supported others in meaningful ways, highlight your role and impact.
Even small contributions, like advocating for resources or leading a study group, demonstrate initiative and responsibility. Focus on what you learned and how it shaped your ability to contribute to UC.
Prompts that let you showcase what makes you stand out, whether it’s a special skill, background, or personal experience. Your talent could be academic, artistic, cultural, or a unique life experience that shaped your perspective.
Share how this quality has influenced your growth, achievements, or aspirations. The goal is to provide insight into who you are beyond academics and how you’ll enrich the UC community.
Part 2 : Writing the PIQs
When it comes to writing PIQs, it is good to follow a specific writing format to maximize efficiency in conveying the structured and compelling story that you wish to tell.
The writing method mentioned is S.T.A.R
Learn more about it below on the image dropdowns!
Begin by describing the background of your experience or challenge. Clearly explain what happened, when it occurred, and why it was important to you.
Keep it concise but include enough detail to help the reader understand the context. This sets up the rest of your response and makes it engaging.
Describe what you needed to accomplish or the goal you set for yourself. This should connect directly to the challenge or situation you introduced. Show your awareness of the problem and your motivation to address it. Your task should be specific and measurable.
Explain the steps you took to address the situation. Focus on your efforts, decisions, and problem-solving strategies. This section should show your initiative, resourcefulness, and determination.
Conclude with what happened as a result of your actions. Emphasize what you learned, how you changed, and how this experience prepared you for future challenges. Show personal growth and connect it to your long-term goals.
Example of the Star Method in Use
Disclaimer : This example was not used in UC applications.
"During my first semester at community college, I struggled with math and failed my first exam. I had always found math difficult, and my confidence in the subject was low. At the same time, I was balancing coursework with a part-time job, which made it even harder to keep up. I knew that if I wanted to transfer into a STEM major, I had to improve."
"I realized that simply attending lectures was not enough to grasp the material. My goal was to not only pass the class but also build a strong foundation for future math-heavy courses. I needed to figure out a better study strategy that fit my schedule and learning style. Without improving my math skills, I knew my chances of success in my major would be limited."
"I started attending tutoring sessions twice a week and watched online videos to reinforce concepts. I also formed a study group with classmates, which helped me stay accountable and understand different problem-solving approaches. To make more time for studying, I adjusted my work schedule and committed to practicing math problems daily. Over time, I began to see improvements and gained confidence in my abilities."
"By the end of the semester, I raised my grade from a D to a B, proving to myself that I was capable of success in math. More importantly, I developed strong study habits and a growth mindset that I now apply to all my coursework. This experience taught me that with the right strategies and persistence, I could overcome academic challenges. Now, I feel more prepared for upper-division coursework in my major and confident in my ability to adapt to difficult subjects."
Part 3 : Revising and Submitting Your PIQs
Need resources to revise your PIQs? Check the resources down below!
Feeling confident in what you wrote? Submit it!
Your School's Writing Center
Your School's Writing Center
Most community colleges have writing centers and transfer centers where counselors and tutors help students revise their PIQs. They provide one-on-one feedback and ensure your responses are well-structured and impactful. Since they specialize in transfer applications, their advice is particularly relevant for UC applicants. If your school doesn't have one - check out this public forum for help!
Want more personal advice from UC Berkeley students?
Want more personal advice from UC Berkeley students?
Current UC Berkeley transfer students provide their tips on writing PIQs and you can read their testimonials on their experience with the PIQ writing procedure. If your target school is UC Berkeley, this is insider advice that can highlight what UC Berkeley admissions look for in their applicants! Explore the page below!
Want to know some insider information about UC Berkeley?
Want to know some insider information about UC Berkeley?
Learn from the PASS T-REC Team!
Looking for ways to strengthen your UC Application?
Visit Apps Strengthening!
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