UC Releases Personal Insights for Fall 2017

UC Personal Insights, 2017

The University of California has just released the Transfer Personal Insight Questions for fall 2017 applicants (those hoping to start at a UC in fall 2018). There are no changes except for insight question #7, which has a slight modification (see info below).

The Personal Insight rules remain the same:

• Maximum length per insight:  350 words
• Every question has equal weight. Pick the ones that best fit your situation.
• There are no right or wrong answers.
• Transfers must answer FOUR questions.

The following Insight question is required of all transfers:

Please describe how you have prepared for your intended major, including your readiness to succeed in your upper-division courses once you enroll at the university.

Next, choose any three out of the following seven to answer:

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.  

2. 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.  

3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?  

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

5. 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?

6. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?  

7. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

The underlined part of Number 7 is new. Obviously applicants were simply regurgitating things already noted either in the application or in another insight question.  This now makes it more tricky. But here’s a chance to be quirky, stand out, and show your personality. If you have an interesting event that indirectly shows how you think put it in. 

To read more about what is required, including my analysis of first year results, search CA College Transfer posts here.

—Or visit the UC page for more information.

And be sure to check out my instructional video (keeping in mind the new part to #7):