UC #4 or #5 – About Challenges (Vlog)
by Kathleen M.
The UC essays 4 and 5 are really very closely related to one another. So think about selecting one of these. Prompt number 4 asks: Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. And prompt five poses this question: 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?
The questions are both about describing a challenge/barrier. Question four does allow you to explore a “significant educational opportunity,” but we will here focus on the other possibility. So one popular method for describing a challenge is the STAR method.
The University of Hawaii, Manoa Career Center describes the STAR method: to explain a specific situation, describe the task you completed, outline the actions you took to get there and end with the results. Using this method will allow you to balance all of the parts of the challenge and will really showcase your abilities.
Remember you want to convince the admissions team that you are a good bet as a college student, so while you may mention a failure or challenge, you want the focus to be on your success!
For example, rather than wallow in describing the situation, offer a quick overview of the problem you experienced. If you can do this and are able to move on to share how you were successful, your essay will have a positive spin and will garner the kind of reaction you are hoping for.
As with all essays you are writing for admissions, work to be specific and to really offer a clear sense of how amazing you are. Remember this is one of four essay opportunities you have as a part of the UC application.
Resources:
“Tell me About a TIme You Overcame an Obstacle” – University of Hawaii, Manoa Career Center
