UC Essay 8 – What Else to Share About You
by Kathleen M.
The UC PIQ number eight is open-ended and asks you what else you “believe makes you a strong candidate for the University of California.” So what kinds of responses might go here?
Remember you want to balance the kinds of stories you are telling for the four responses, so if you have covered academics, your major, your volunteer service, your sport in the other questions – now is the time for something fun!
Always remember that you should attach your response to a value (remember these from brainstorming for the common app essay?) and make sure you are making and illustrating a point about yourself.
So why do you want to attend the University of California? Remember that you should not respond about one campus in particular if you are applying to several/all. So you may love Bruin football or a particular program in Merced, but now is not the time for those kinds of reflections.
Instead – maybe connect your early love for mythology and stargazing with your anticipated study of astronomy. Or consider your collections – you have been collecting seashells from every beach you have ever been to, and now you want to study international relations or marine biology. Or maybe you have a teacup collection because your great grandmother loved to drink tea and started giving them to you. Be aware that the story has to be about you!
For example:
This summer, I re-read all of the Frank Herbert Dune novels. My grandfather introduced me to the novels when I was 12, and we watched the new version of the movie together and were looking forward to the second installment. Because we loved talking about the books and movie so much, we convinced most of my cousins to read it too. Then we all went to the second movie together.
Not all of my interests align with my family, so it is nice to have something in common with them besides blood. We are trying to start new family traditions around reading and discussing books. It has been fun to learn unexpected things about my relatives that they reveal while discussing a book about symbolism they pick up on and views of character development.
I look forward to attending the University of California and reading lots of new things and finding even more people to discuss books with. I think reading with my family has prepared me to converse with a variety of people.
(This sample is purposely short to give you a sense of possibility).
