HOW DO YOU WRITE UC PIQs?

University of California admissions officers are looking for specific things when they read PIQs, or Personal Interest Questions, on your UC college application. 

How should you write PIQs to attract the attention of UC application readers?

12th Graders:

PIQs for the University of California are written differently than personal essays for the Common Application.  UC admissions readers read many applications and they read them very quickly.  When they read, UC admissions officers need a clear and immediate picture of you.  Avoid flowery language or metaphors in your writing.  Instead, be direct and use specific examples from your own life in your writing. Make sure that the four PIQs you have chosen to answer provide as much information about different parts of your life as possible.

11th Graders:

Now is a great time to pause and look at the different activities that you are involved in.  When you apply to colleges next year, you will need to write a personal essay and a variety of supplemental essays if you apply to public and private universities.  If you apply to the University of California system, you will need to write four different Personal Insight Questions as well.  Make sure you have plenty of activities, interests, and experiences inside and outside of the classroom to write about.  Vacations from school are a great time to work a new job, try a new activity, explore a new subject, or embrace a new experience.

If you would like help capturing your experiences in UC PIQs, e-mail me:  michelle@samaracollegeadvising.com