UC Personal Insight Questions

Writing Tips

Start early.

Give yourself plenty of time for preparation, careful composition, and revisions.

Write persuasively.

Making a list of accomplishments, activities, awards or work will lessen the impact of your words. Expand on a topic by using specific, concrete examples to support the points you want to make.

Use “I” statements.

Talk about yourself so that we can get to know your personality, talents, accomplishments, and potential for success on a UC campus. Use “I” and “my” statements in your responses.

Proofread and edit.

Although you will not be evaluated on grammar, spelling or sentence structure, you should proofread your work and make sure your writing is clear. Grammatical and spelling errors can be distracting to the reader and get in the way of what you’re trying to communicate.

Solicit feedback.

Your answers should reflect your own ideas and be written by you alone, but others — family, teachers, and friends — can offer valuable suggestions. Ask advice of whomever you like, but do not plagiarize from sources in print or online, and do not use anyone's published words but your own.

Copy and paste.

Once you are satisfied with your answers, save them and paste them into the space provided in the application. Proofread once more to make sure no odd characters or line breaks have appeared.

Relax.

This is one of many pieces of information we consider in reviewing your application. Your responses can only add value to the application. An admission decision will not be based on this section alone.

What is Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)?

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides assistance through mentorship, academic programs, financial assistance, counseling/advising, and other campus support services to those who are first-generation college students, and/or from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.

In addition to assisting students through to graduation, EOP helps prepare students for admission to graduate and professional schools. EOP serves students from all ethnic backgrounds and is open only to California residents and to American Indians from any state.

To be considered for EOP, you should indicate your interest when you complete the online application. Be sure to fill out your parents’ level of education, family size, and household income later in the application.

EOP Website - check it out to learn more.

The EOP application is embedded in the UC Application.

Make sure to apply!