Essay Support
The CCC is available for in-person or e-mail essay support.
Almost all colleges and universities require applicants to submit either a personal statement or short-answer essay(s). Sometimes the college provides specific guidelines in terms of topic, length, and even format; while other times the prompt may be as general as “Tell us something about you.” But for all schools, the essay is a significant part of the application; it allows the reader know what’s important to you, how you think about things and who you are as a person. Be sure the essay or personal statement you submit represents your very best work. It is very important that the essay you submit is your own work and shares your voice. Be original!
Don't forget to visit the admissions pages of your schools to check for any supplemental writing requirements they may have.
Presentation Decks from Previous Essay Workshops
ESSAY PROMPTS
Common App 2023-2024 Essay Prompts
Personal Background or Talent: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Learning from Challenges: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Questioning Beliefs: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Acts of Kindness: Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Personal Growth: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Passion and Curiosity: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Topic of Your Choice: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
Additionally, the Common App will retain the optional COVID-19 question within the Additional Information section. In this section you can share any meaningful personal experiences related to the pandemic and relevant to your applicant profile or background, which might include:
-Illness or loss within your family or support network
-Employment or housing disruptions within your family
-Food insecurity
-Challenges to mental and emotional health
-New responsibilities, such as part-time work or caring for family members
-Difficulties in accessing necessary technology or a conducive study environment
-Shifts in your major or career interests due to the pandemic's influence
UC Essay Prompts
Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
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.
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
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?
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
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?
