essays that worked ucla

How to Write UCLA Supplemental Essays: Examples + Tips

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 6/27/24

Learn how to craft exceptional UCLA supplemental essays with examples and expert tips. Elevate your application and stand out as a top candidate.

Like every aspiring candidate who wants to attend UCLA , you are expected to write supplemental essays to compel the admission committee. These essays allow you to express yourself, your interests, and your aspirations.

Writing compelling essays starts with understanding what the school is looking for. As noted in its Core Curriculum , UCLA values an academic journey that promotes diverse exploration, reflected in its essay prompts.

This guide will provide valuable tips on how to write UCLA essays. It’ll also provide some UCLA essays that worked for you to draw inspiration from. Let’s get into it.

UCLA Personal Insight Question (PIQ) Prompts 2024-2025

Here are UCLA essay prompts :

“Describe an example of a leadership experience in which you’ve 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’ve taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you’ve faced.”

Prompt #5  

“ Describe the most significant challenge you’ve faced and the steps you’ve taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?”

Prompt #6  

“ Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you’ve furthered this interest inside and/or outside the classroom.”

Prompt #7  

“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”

Prompt #8  

“Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?”

How to Write Each Essay Prompt for UCLA

Let’s take a quick look at how to write each prompt.

How to Write UCLA Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1 : In this prompt, UCLA wants to understand your leadership abilities. They want to know when you've positively influenced others, mediated disputes, or contributed to a group effort. Your response should showcase your leadership skills and the impact they've had over time.

• Pick an Experience : Choose an experience, preferably from high school, that demonstrates your leadership. It could be from a school club, community service project, or personal initiative.
• Show Impact : Highlight not just what you did but the positive influence it had. How did you inspire others? How did your leadership contribute to a resolution or group success?
• Reflect on Growth : Discuss how this experience shaped you as a leader. Mention what you've learned from it and how it will contribute to your future at UCLA.

How to Write UCLA Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #2 : UCLA values creativity, and this prompt encourages you to express your creative side. Whether through problem-solving, innovative thinking, or artistic works, they want to know how you unleash your creative potential.

• Pick a Niche : Determine your creative outlet, whether it's through art, science, technology, or any other field. It could be a personal project, a scientific discovery, or a piece of art.
• Tell a Story : Share a narrative about a specific instance that illustrates your creative abilities. Describe your challenge, the solution you crafted, or the artwork you produced.
• Show Impact : Explain how your creativity has made a difference. Has it solved a problem, inspired others, or resulted in an innovative solution?
• Connect to Future Goals : Link your creativity to your future aspirations. How will this creative side benefit you at UCLA and beyond?

How to Write UCLA Supplemental Essay #3 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #3 : In this prompt, UCLA is interested in your exceptional abilities. You should discuss your greatest talent or skill, how you've developed it, and instances where you've demonstrated it.

• Identify Your Talent : Start by identifying your unique talent or skill. It could be in the arts, sports, academics, or any other area where you excel.
• Share Your Experience: Describe how you discovered and nurtured this talent. Discuss any challenges or obstacles you overcame.
• Highlight Achievements : Provide concrete examples of when you've showcased this talent. Share any awards, recognitions, or significant accomplishments.
• Connect to Growth : Explain how this talent has evolved. How has it influenced your personal development, and how might it benefit the UCLA community?

How to Write UCLA Supplemental Essay #4 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #4 : UCLA wants to know about your educational journey. This prompt asks you to detail a significant educational opportunity you've seized or a barrier you've had to overcome.

• Pick a Story : Choose a pivotal educational opportunity or barrier in your academic journey. This could be a specific class, project, or academic challenge.
• Describe Opportunity/Barrier : Explain the situation clearly. What was the opportunity or obstacle? How did it impact your education?
• Your Response : Discuss your response to this situation. Did you seize the opportunity, and how did it enhance your education? If it was a barrier, what actions did you take to overcome it?
• Highlight Growth : Reflect on how this experience affected your academic achievement and personal growth.

How to Write UCLA Supplemental Essay #5 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #5 : This question focuses on challenges you've faced and your efforts to overcome them. Describe your most significant challenge and how it influenced your academic achievements.

• Define the Challenge : Clearly outline the adversity you've faced. It could be personal, academic, or a combination of both.
• Explain Impact : Discuss how this challenge affected your academic performance, mindset, and determination.
• Overcoming Obstacles : Describe the steps you took to overcome this adversity. What strategies did you employ? What support did you seek?
• Show Resilience : Emphasize your resilience and determination. What have you learned from this challenge, and how have you grown?

How to Write UCLA Supplemental Essay #6 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #6 : This question centers on your academic interests and what inspires you. Describe an academic subject that excites you and how you've pursued it inside and outside the classroom.

• Choose Your Passion : Select an academic subject that genuinely inspires you. Explain why it resonates with you.
• Show Engagement : Discuss how you've explored this subject. Mention specific courses, books, projects, or research related to it.
• Highlight Your Dedication : Highlight extracurricular activities, clubs, or personal initiatives that further your passion for this subject.
• Connect to UCLA : Explain how this academic passion aligns with your future goals and why it makes you a great fit for UCLA.

How to Write UCLA Supplemental Essay #7 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #7 : UCLA values community engagement. Share how you've contributed to making your school or community a better place.

• Choose Your Impact : Highlight a specific project, initiative, or role where you've positively impacted your school or community.
• Demonstrate Your Contribution : Describe your role and the contributions you've made. What changes or improvements have you facilitated?
• Reflect on Values : Explain how your engagement aligns with your values and aspirations. How will your community spirit benefit UCLA?
• Inspire Others : Discuss any instances where your actions have inspired others to join your cause or carry on your work.

How to Write UCLA Supplemental Essay #8 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #8 : In this open-ended prompt, you can share something unique about yourself that hasn't been covered in other parts of your application.

• Say Something New : Use this space to provide fresh insights about yourself. Avoid repeating information from other essays.
• Talk About Your Strengths : Highlight your unique strengths, experiences, or perspectives that set you apart.
• Why UCLA : Share what makes you a strong candidate for admission to UCLA. How do your qualities and experiences align with the university's values and mission?
• Show Authenticity : Be yourself and let your genuine personality shine through in your response.

These tips should help you write each of UCLA's Personal Insight Questions effectively. If followed, you can increase your chances of standing out among numerous candidates.

Examples of UCLA Supplemental Essays That Worked

Below are some UCLA-accepted essays from admitted students to give you inspiration and insights. Take note of our expert insight into why it worked.

Sample Essay #1

Prompt #1 : “Describe an example of a leadership experience in which you’ve positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.”

Take a look at this essay example:

“It was her fourth honor council. I sat on the committee for her third that granted her one last chance. It was mid-April–just weeks before graduation, and she would walk across the stage with her diploma. The third honor council debated for hours about the best course of action. No student had ever been given 4 chances without separation from the school. One attendee argued for her future in retaining her college admission, while another suggested her negative impacts on the school community. After hours of debate, the honor council was split. It was left up to just a few of her peers to decide her fate. We reviewed her previous violation, and then it appeared: “Any future violations of school rules WILL result in separation from the school”. I believe strongly in seeking first to understand a person’s circumstances before drawing judgment, and I think there is great value in the second chance. Unfortunately, this student was unable to take responsibility after failing on multiple counts, and we eventually decided it would be best for the community if she separated from the school. She was given the opportunity to receive her diploma after successfully completing online classes.

Hard decisions like these have been a driving factor in shaping my character and values caring for the greater good of the community. I faced discrimination as a person with learning differences, which prompted me to solve issues of inequity through leadership positions. I give back to the community by leading school discussions about acts of hate and aggression that happen on and off campus, and I strive to create diversity and inclusion by attracting new people to [CITY]. I attempt to create a well-rounded incoming class of freshmen that will better the FVS community and help to solve issues of discrimination and a lack of diversity on campus. Together, my roles have heavily aligned with my values of creating diversity and solving a wide range of issues on campus.”

Why Essay #1 Worked

This essay demonstrates the applicant's commitment to fairness, accountability, and the welfare of the community. 

The opening narrative about the honor council meeting showed the applicant's involvement in challenging and impactful decisions. It portrays their dedication to upholding integrity and fairness, which aligns well with the university's values. 

The essay ties this experience to the applicant's personal growth and values, emphasizing their commitment to addressing discrimination, promoting diversity, and improving the community. 

It highlights the applicant's leadership, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment, making it a strong response to the prompt.

Sample Essay #2

Prompt #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.”

Check out this essay example:

“The test covered L’Hopital’s Rule and Related Rates–a topic I felt I had mastered but would need extra time to complete. But there I was. Waiting patiently with everyone else for [NAME] to hand out the test. As a student with a learning difference, I had a written contract for accommodations: extended time in a distraction free setting, but he didn’t care. It wasn’t the first time this happened, and I knew how this story would unfold. He placed the test on my desk. I frantically solved as many problems as I could. I flew through the first half of the test, but just as I began solving related rates, I heard a disappointing “5 Minutes Left”. I frantically jotted down anything that came to mind on the remaining portion of the test, but it didn’t matter. Time was up.

I sat quietly in class the next day, enraged. Every question I completed was correct, but it didn’t make up for the unattempted problems. “79%” engraved in dark red ink. What’s worse, he wrote, “Why didn’t you try these problems?” across the page of unanswered questions. Nearly every problem I attempted on any quiz or test in his class was mathematically correct, but I ran out of time on almost every assessment. It didn’t matter how good I truly was at Precalculus.

Until then, I had a hard time advocating for myself. That day something ignited in me and I knew I carried the responsibility to advocate for not only myself but for other students with learning differences. I wrote a letter to the school which reviewed the rights of students with learning differences set forth by the ADA. The following semester, my teacher was obligated to allow accommodations in his class, and as a result, those of use with differences were allowed “equal playing time.” The grade I received that semester did not reflect my mastery of Honors Precalculus, but it was a very impactful experience. I now understand the mental burden true discrimination can have on a person, and I carry the motivation to fight it.”

Why Essay #2 Worked

This essay shows the applicant's resilience and advocacy in adversity. It narrates a challenging situation in a math test and conveys the frustration and injustice the student felt. 

The essay then skillfully transitions into the applicant's transformation, highlighting their decision to advocate not only for themselves but for others with learning differences, which is a compelling display of leadership and resilience. 

Additionally, the applicant's essay demonstrates growth, showing how a challenging experience can lead to meaningful change, making it a strong response to the prompt and providing valuable insights into the applicant's character and determination.

Sample Essay #3

Prompt #4 : “Describe how you’ve taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you’ve faced.”

Take a look at this UCLA essay example: 

“My grandfather delights in scenic diversions while traveling, and I am his willing companion on road trips. Our journeys have taken us to trails and prime fishing spots as memorable as our final destination. Information processing in my brain resembles these scenic journeys. I have dyslexia, and one of the greatest challenges I have overcome has been to find the beauty and advantage in the way my neural pathways function–never a direct route and usually a lengthy journey. 

Learning to read was an arduous undertaking for me. While my siblings learned to read with ease, I toiled along and avoided tasks that involved reading. After I was diagnosed with dyslexia, I drudged through hours of remediation and studied twice as hard as my neurotypical peers. I had difficulty attributing my success to natural ability because I worked so hard to attain it. It wasn’t until my freshman year that my mindset shifted. A guest speaker visited my school to talk about the gifts of neurodiversity. As I listened, I began to think about my own neural pathways as roadways for information. I realized that my destination is the same as someone with an ordinary brain, but information in my brain takes the scenic route. I then started uncovering the benefits of neurodiversity. Dyslexia has helped me excel in forming creative solutions to problems, and as my classes become more advanced, the processing differences become less apparent. What’s more, I’ve spent my life working hard to spot and rectify errors, reading and re-reading passages, and intensely persevering to meet my own high expectations. This has culminated in a work ethic for which I will always have muscle memory. Above all, I now confidently own my success.

As I reflect on expeditions with my grandfather, it is clear my experience on the road could never be the same as my siblings, who rode with my parents in the “fast car”. I would never trade the memories made for the time spent. As for my neural pathways, I am content knowing that my brain will always take me where the fish are biting.”

Why Essay #3 Worked

This essay uniquely recounts the applicant's journey with dyslexia through road trips with their grandfather, offering a relatable analogy. It begins with the struggle of learning to read and shifts to embracing the advantages of neurodiversity, demonstrating resilience and self-awareness. 

The narrative is well-structured, engaging, and effectively addresses the prompt, showcasing the applicant's personal growth and ability to overcome challenges. 

The essay's conclusion creatively ties the road trips with the neural pathways, leaving a memorable and cohesive impression. This narrative effectively communicates the applicant's journey and growth.

Sample Essay #4

Prompt #5 : “Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you’ve furthered this interest inside and/or outside the classroom.”

Let’s go over an essay example: 

“The assignment was to scrape and organize many DNA sequences from a database. It was late on a Sunday night, and I hadn’t started the assignment. I opened my laptop and saw the article I had been reading earlier that day. “Coronavirus has now killed 250 thousand people in the United States”. I moved it aside to start the project that was due the next morning. After spending hours finding creative ways to scrape the data I desired, I began debugging. I spent another hour tirelessly fixing problems that wouldn't allow my code to run. I turned back to the web to see if Stack Overflow had the answers to my questions. Then I saw it again: “Coronavirus has now killed 250 thousand people in the United States”. I put it aside but pondered how I could apply web scraping to a real-world crisis like COVID-19. I began debugging but was overtaken by my curiosity. I diverged from my school project and began writing code to scrape a COVID database and organize it into data frames. Eventually, after scraping tons of data, I glanced at the clock: 4 AM and I still had not finished my assignment. It was time to get to work. I drudged through another hour of debugging and eventually finished. I glanced outside my window and saw bright beams of sunlight poking through the dense fog on the mountains, so I quickly grabbed my things and ran out the door for school.

 I was energized by the real-world application of what I was learning in my directed study, “Using Python for Research.” It inspired me to continue taking courses in addition to those offered at my school, such as “Analyzing Data with R” and “Multivariable Calculus.”

Why Essay #4 Worked

This essay showed the applicant's drive, problem-solving skills, and ability to connect classroom learning to real-world applications. The story of how the applicant was initially distracted by news about the pandemic but then redirected their focus towards using their coding skills to contribute to COVID-19 research is compelling. 

It demonstrates their initiative, adaptability, and genuine passion for using their education to make a meaningful impact, aligning with qualities sought by universities like UCLA.  

These essays generally work for UC schools. So, if you’re contemplating applying to UCLA, USC , or even UC Berkley, these tips will work fine. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the nuances of writing specific UC essays since they each have their own requirements.

Get More Samples Essays Here!

If you’re interested in reading more UCLA supplemental essays that worked, visit our admission essays database . The database has a collection of successful essays for schools across the country.

FAQs: How to Write UCLA Supplemental Essays

Here are answers to questions on how to write UCLA supplemental essays .

1. How Many Essays Does UCLA Require?

UCLA requires eight essays for freshmen applicants and four essays for transfer applicants.

2. How Important Are Essays for the University of California, Los Angeles?

Essays are highly important for UCLA admissions as they provide insights into your character, experiences, and aspirations.

3. How Much Does UCLA Supplemental Essays Matter for Transfers?

UCLA admissions essays matter very much for transfer applicants; they help evaluate their readiness and fit for the university.

4. What’s the Maximum Word Count for Each UCLA Personal Insight Question?

The maximum word count is 350 words. Each essay response should be no more than this word count. 

5. How Do I Submit My UCLA Supplemental Essays?

You submit the essays through the UC application portal when applying.

6. Are There Any Specific Formatting Requirements for UCLA Piqs?

Keep your responses in plain text (no formatting, such as bold text, italics, underlining, etc.) and avoid special characters or symbols.

Final Thoughts

Writing the UCLA supplemental essays gives you a unique opportunity to show your individuality and experiences. To craft compelling narratives that align with each prompt, focus on your personal growth and contributions. 

UCLA values these essays, so invest time in making them memorable. Highlight your strengths and aspirations while thoughtfully addressing life challenges. Good luck with your UCLA application!

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UCLA Successful Essay Examples

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UCLA is one of the most popular universities in California. In recent years, it has received a record number of applications. If the West Coast  calls to you and you like the idea of finding your niche in a large top tier university, UCLA may be the school for you. If you’re still working on your responses to the UC essay prompts, these examples may help. 

One of the most sought-after UC schools, UCLA is a dream school for many Californians. More than 100,000 students applied to UCLA last fall, and the numbers are expected to remain the same for this upcoming application season. For those of you applying this Fall, the regular application filing period is November 1-30. If you’re still working on your UC essays, here are 5 successful examples that might inspire you to write yours: 

UC Los Angeles ‘20

Prompt: Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community, or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

It was my fault. I had chosen this topic for my math exploration, armed with only the feeblest grasp of actual concept. Music, math, and the harmonic series…I sighed. In the time-honored tradition of all students, I had turned to Google for succor. The words on the screen blurred together hazily. “Pythagoras discovered that a string exactly 1/nth its length produces a frequency n times the original frequency…” It just didn’t make sense: what did a bunch of numbers have to do with musical consonance? Read her full UCLA application essay.

A bright orange glow reflecting on the water, I love watching the sunrise at the beach. I grew up less than ten minutes away from the Atlantic and my early childhood memories include frequent trips to the beach. Although the beach is a stunning sight, the beach is not always pristine. My family and I regularly remove trash from the beach, including commercial fishing and industrial debris, particularly after storms, sometimes in quantities almost too heavy to carry. Unlock his full UCLA profile read his application!

Prompt: Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

Starting in 6th grade, I spent every summer at Jon Lee’s East Beach volleyball camp. Most kids came and went on a weekly basis, but I just stayed. There was nowhere else I would rather have been, than at East Beach playing volleyball with my friends. I loved it so much that I sought out faster improvement, committing to more formal training with an AVP professional player. View his full successful UCLA profile.

T-shirt. I had never heard of DECA before. Curious, I asked him more about it, and learned that it was “a club for, like marketing and business”, as he called it. Her persuaded me to join and we planned to compete together in the Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team even. Unlock his full UCLA profile read his application!

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

I can read koalas with turtles and I can eat ice cream with friends in North Korea. This is all possible due to the power of Photoshop. Photoshop is like a straw that allows people’s eyes to drink from my imagination. I can make anything and put it anywhere; from sea monsters in the ocean to winged toasters at my birth. For nearly four years, I have used Photoshop to express myself in an adventurous way, one that offers me wider avenues than music or writing do. I am constantly improving my photoshopping abilities and therefore expanding the limits of my expression. Unlock his full UCLA profile read his application!

Are you looking to apply to UC Schools? or just starting to build out  your college list ? Make sure to search through profiles of students accepted to see essays, stats, and advice. See how they got in, and how you can too!

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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Updated: Friday, September 27, 2024

UCLA Personal Statement: FAQ, Examples & Insider Tips

UCLA is part of the University of California system, which is comprised of nine campuses throughout the state. Students applying to UCLA must use the UC application — the University of California system does not use the Common App or Coalition Application. The application process includes several personal statement prompts, or what UC refers to as personal insight questions. Keep reading to learn more about these prompts and tips for responding to them.   

Does UCLA Need a Personal Statement? 

For admission to any of the University of California schools, including UCLA, you are required to respond to the personal statement prompts, which becomes part of the holistic review. What does holistic review really mean?  

IvyWise counselor Tiffany explains, “holistic review really means and acknowledges that there are multiple parts of your personality, your talents, and your application — and the admissions office is willing to consider each of those areas.” The UCLA essays provide insight into who you are beyond how you perform in the classroom. It helps the admissions committee picture how you will contribute to the campus community. 

UCLA Personal Statement 2023 

Well-crafted essay responses may give you an edge over another strong candidate with comparable academic performance. Taking the time to research how to get into UCLA and including specific and relevant details in your responses will make your personal statements much stronger. According to the University of California, your responses to the personal insight  questions “provide context for the rest of your application.”  

How Long Is the UCLA Personal Statement? 

The UC system provides eight personal insight questions for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. You are required to respond to four of them. Each response should be 250 to 350 words. Review the questions carefully and choose the four that you feel are the most relevant to your circumstances and life experience.  

Why Is UCLA So Hard to Get Into? 

UCLA receives more applications than any other college or university in the U.S., making it highly competitive. The UCLA acceptance rate is less than 9%, making it one of the most selective schools in the UC system. And because it’s state-funded, admissions preference is given to California residents. Therefore, it’s even more challenging for non-California residents to gain admission. For the class of 2027, the acceptance rate was 9.46% for in-state students, 8.62% for out-of-state students, and 6.09% for international students.  

To be competitive, your application should emphasize the three most important factors for UCLA admissions officers: the rigor of your high school coursework, your GPA, and your personal insight essays. Other factors — such as extracurriculars, volunteer/work experience, personal qualities, and talents/skills — are also important but not given as much weight.  

What Does a Good Personal Statement Look Like? 

It takes time and practice to learn how to write a personal statement that’s compelling and competitive. Your essays should demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, a positive attitude, and the personal characteristics that make you a good fit for UCLA. It’s an opportunity to highlight the educational and personal experiences that shaped you as well as your talents and skills — all of which demonstrate how you will contribute to the campus community both inside and outside of the classroom.  

Examples of Personal Statements for UCLA 

Below are the personal insight questions for the 2023-24 admissions cycle — these are the prompts for UCLA and all other schools in the UC system. There is no right or wrong way to respond to these prompts, but these examples can help you think about how to approach your own essays. Since the UC application can go to multiple University of California schools, these responses don’t specifically mention UCLA.   

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.

Leadership is about empathy, understanding, and finding common ground. My leadership style has been defined by these principles, especially after an experience I had during my sophomore year.  

I joined the student council, serving as a liaison between my peers and the faculty. That year, our school’s annual talent show was in jeopardy due to a heated dispute among the planning committee. I organized a meeting for the committee members to address their concerns and find common ground. I listened to each person’s perspective and soon understood that the arguments stemmed from a lack of clarity about roles and responsibilities.  

To resolve the issue, I proposed a clear division of tasks and responsibilities, which was agreed upon by the committee. I also suggested regular check-ins to ensure everyone was on the same page. The show was soon back on track!  

I continued to lead the team, ensuring everyone felt heard and valued, and reminded them of the positive impact our efforts would have on the school community. We worked together tirelessly to make the talent show a success, and the entire experience was a testament to the power of collaboration and empathy.  

This leadership experience highlighted the importance of active listening and empathy in resolving disputes and fostering a positive group dynamic. It also reinforced the idea that leadership isn’t about being in the spotlight but about facilitating teamwork and collaboration. By focusing on the needs and concerns of everyone on the team, I was able to bring about a harmonious resolution and contribute to the success of the talent show.  

As I embark on my college journey, I carry with me the valuable lessons I learned during this experience. I’m excited to continue developing my leadership experience and making a positive impact on the world.  

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.

Creativity makes life more vibrant and full of endless possibilities. It’s in how I approach problems, the stories I write, and the visions I bring to life through photography.  

Problem-solving has always been my playground for creativity. When faced with a challenge, I don’t just take the conventional path—I twist, turn, and reshape it. Once in math class, we had to figure out a complex probability problem. I designed a colorful, interactive game to help solve it. The teacher loved it, and my peers started seeing math in a new light.  

Through storytelling, I can craft worlds, characters, and emotions. I write short stories, poetry, and even started working on a novel. I take pride in sharing my thoughts and ideas through my writing, hoping to inspire others to explore their creative sides.  

Photography is my way of capturing the world’s magic. Whether it’s the rusty old bike leaning against a graffiti-covered wall or a breathtaking sunset over the ocean, I strive to capture the extraordinary in the ordinary. It’s my hope that my photos ignite a sense of wonder in others and encourage them to view the world with a fresh perspective.  

My creativity isn’t confined to just one box—it’s constantly meandering into different channels. Whether I’m solving problems, spinning tales, or snapping pictures, my creative side is an ever-evolving, kaleidoscopic expression of who I am. It’s about breathing life into the mundane, stirring curiosity, and letting my imagination roam free.  

As I look ahead to college, I envision myself exploring new horizons, meeting fellow artists and thinkers, and discovering fresh ways to express my creativity. My creativity is always evolving, ready to burst with the new colors and patterns of campus life. I’m excited to see where my creative journey will lead me.  

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

I’ve known since childhood that I’m meant to be an animator. Over the years, I’ve nurtured this talent, honed it, and painted my imagination into vibrant, moving pictures.  

My journey into animation started with doodles in the margins of my notebooks. I couldn’t help but bring life to those still images. It was a spark of magic, and I was hooked. I began teaching myself the basics of animation, poring over online tutorials and practicing relentlessly.  

In high school, I joined the art club, where I had the chance to work on collaborative projects and learn from other passionate artists. But what truly set my journey in motion was an independent project creating an animated short film for a school competition. It was a daunting task, but I was determined to give it my all.  

For weeks, I sketched frames, adjusted details, and tweaked animations until they felt just right. My story was about a young astronaut exploring a distant planet, a reflection of my own sense of adventure and curiosity. The process was grueling but incredibly rewarding.  

The final product played on the screen during the competition to applause and positive feedback. I was overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment, and I realized that this was what I wanted to pursue in life.  

As I reflect on my journey, I see the growth in my abilities. I’ve developed a keen eye for detail, a better understanding of storytelling, and a deep appreciation for the art of animation. What started as doodles in my notebook transformed into a passionate pursuit of a craft that allows me to express my creativity in unimaginable ways.  

The University of California represents the next step in my animation adventure. I’m excited about the opportunity to study animation in a structured and collaborative environment, where I can learn from experienced professionals and immerse myself in this art form. My dream is to work in the animation industry, creating stories that touch hearts, inspire minds, and make people believe in the magic of animation.  

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

One of the most significant educational barriers I’ve faced is my struggle with dyslexia. Reading and writing doesn’t come naturally to me, and for a long time, I felt like I was lagging behind my peers. The education system seemed designed for students who could effortlessly absorb information from textbooks, while I had to fight for every word.  

I was determined not to let dyslexia define me and sought out opportunities to overcome it. I reached out to a school counselor who connected me with Learning Ally, a specialized reading program. Through countless hours of hard work and dedication, I began to make progress. It was slow, but it was progress—and that’s what mattered most to me.  

I also tapped into tools like text-to-speech software and speech recognition. These resources allowed me to engage with the material in a way that accommodated my unique learning style. They transformed my educational experience, giving me a sense of empowerment and independence.  

Soon, I began to realize the power of resilience. My struggle with dyslexia taught me that it’s not the challenges we encounter, but how we confront them, that truly matters. I became more proactive about advocating for my educational needs and helping other students with similar challenges.  

By taking advantage of the educational opportunities available to me and embracing the tools that could help me succeed, I learned that every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise. I may not be the fastest reader or have the strongest writing skills, but I’ve developed a unique perspective and a tenacity that will serve me well in the future.  

I aim to carry this spirit of determination with me to the University of California. Overcoming my educational barriers made me ready to face any challenge that comes my way. I hope to inspire others who face similar hurdles to believe in their own ability to overcome obstacles.  

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?

Childhood cancer. These two words don’t just represent a medical condition—they carry emotional weight.  

My younger sister’s leukemia diagnosis was gut-wrenching for our family. Then came a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, and endless uncertainty into our lives. My parents were consumed by the daily fight for my sister’s life. The stress and emotional toll of the situation were immense, and it inevitably impacted my academic performance.  

Eventually, I learned to manage my time effectively, squeezing in study sessions during hospital visits and late nights. I explained my situation to teachers and my school counselor, and they provided the necessary support and accommodations to help me stay on track academically.  

I became involved in initiatives to raise awareness and funds for leukemia research. I organized fundraisers, volunteered at children’s hospitals, and participated in awareness campaigns. These actions not only provided a sense of purpose during a challenging time but also allowed me to make a difference in the lives of other families facing similar battles.  

Academically, it’s been a rollercoaster ride. I’ve had periods of academic excellence, followed by moments where I struggled to keep up. But I’ve come to realize that true success isn’t defined by grades; it’s about rising to a challenge and finding strength in the face of adversity. My sister taught me that.  

My sister faced a life-threatening illness, but she rose to the challenge and has been cancer-free now for a year. Her strength inspires me. I now aspire to become a pediatric oncologist, using my knowledge and passion to help children like my sister.  

This challenging time affected my academic achievement, but it also transformed me into a stronger, more compassionate individual. I hope to use what I learned from this experience as fuel for my academic journey and my future mission to help children and families facing childhood cancer.  

6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

Stars, galaxies, and black holes have always fascinated me. This cosmic curiosity isn’t limited to just the classroom.  

I’m that kid who can’t get enough of astrophysics: the theories of Einstein, the mysteries of dark matter, and the birth and death of stars—these are the puzzles I love to ponder. My teachers say I’m a space geek, and I wear that title proudly. I’ve aced my AP Physics and astronomy courses. When it comes to space, I can talk your ear off about everything from the Big Bang to wormholes.  

I founded an astronomy club at my school, and every stargazing night is a chance to explore the universe. Armed with telescopes, we scan the night sky, trying to spot distant galaxies and nebulae. There’s something magical about watching a meteor shower or the phases of the moon. I’m connecting with the cosmos, and it’s mesmerizing.  

I’ve also helped organize public telescope viewings at a park near my house. Sharing my passion with others is as thrilling as uncovering the secrets of the universe. Watching the wonder in a child’s eyes as they see Saturn’s rings for the first time is a feeling like no other.  

Outside of school, I follow the latest discoveries, read scientific journals, and even tune into space exploration missions. When NASA’s Perseverance rover touched down on Mars, I was glued to the live feed, dreaming of the day I might work on such missions myself.  

I’m excited to meet other space geeks in college, joining them in exploring the mysteries of the cosmos and contributing to humanity’s understanding of the universe. I’m looking forward to taking the next step toward making my dream of becoming an astrophysicist a reality.

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

I believe that even small gestures can create ripples of change, and that’s what I’ve set out to do in my school and in my community.  

I helped make my school a better place by starting a kindness club. It all began with a simple idea: to spread positivity and create a more inclusive environment. We organize events like “Compliment Day” and “Kindness Challenges” to encourage students, teachers, and staff to uplift one another. Through these activities, I’ve seen smiles, laughter, and friendships bloom. It’s been heartwarming to witness the impact of kindness on our school culture.  

Mentoring younger students has also been incredibly rewarding. I volunteer as a tutor at an after-school program, helping the students with their homework and providing academic support. It’s not just about assisting them with their schoolwork—I offer encouragement and help them develop confidence in their abilities.   

Beyond these organized efforts, I’m a firm believer in leading by example. I try to be a source of positivity and support for my peers. Whether it’s offering a listening ear or helping someone who’s struggling, I want to be someone others can lean on.  

These experiences have not only enriched my school and community but have also taught me the power of compassion, empathy, and the importance of giving back. As I look ahead to college, I hope to continue making a positive impact. Whether it’s through joining service-oriented clubs or starting new initiatives, I’m excited to contribute to my new community in any way I can. Because, in the end, it’s not about grand gestures; it’s about the collective effort to spread positivity and make the world a better place, one small act at a time.  

8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?

In my small Sierra County, California, town, opportunities for exposure to the vast expanse of knowledge and experiences tend to be scarce. The resources required for an ambitious student’s intellectual growth are limited, and it’s quite a distance to any town with robust educational amenities. However, amidst this lonely setting stands a beacon of hope and knowledge—our local library.  

The library is my haven, my classroom, and my window to the world beyond the comforting but stifling embrace of small-town life. It is where my curiosity is nurtured and my ambitions are fueled. The library’s partnership with other libraries allows me to access a wider range of materials, and I take advantage, checking out an array of books and magazines that supplement my classroom learning and open my mind to the wider world.   

I believe the self-discipline, resourcefulness, and inquisitiveness I honed during those countless hours in the library make me a strong candidate for admission to the University of California. I am accustomed to making the most of what is available, a skill that will serve me well in a university setting. Moreover, my humble upbringing instilled in me the values of hard work, determination, and a genuine appreciation for education.  

I am excited about the prospect of transitioning from a small town to a prestigious institution where the opportunities and resources are boundless. I am eager to contribute my unique perspective shaped by my experiences and in turn, learn from the myriad experiences of others.  

I may have fewer accolades compared to those from more resourceful backgrounds. However, I have a relentless spirit, a profound appreciation for learning, and a ceaseless curiosity to explore beyond the familiar. I am poised to embrace the vast academic and extracurricular opportunities at the University of California, eager to continue my journey of self-discovery and contribute to the community with the earnestness and determination that have brought me this far.  

Once you have a draft for the four prompts you selected, it’s time to start revising and refining. 

UCLA Personal Statement Tips   

The UCLA admissions committee is looking for responses that ring true, so feel free to demonstrate your personality in your essays. Admissions officers can tell when a student isn’t being authentic! Nothing makes your essay more authentic than writing about what excites and motivates you. IvyWise counselor Victoria suggests thinking about what you love to do and what you’re interested in so you can “think about ways that you can show who you are, how you think about the world, and what’s important to you through those topics.”

While you’re encouraged to be yourself, it’s also important to be cautious. The UCLA admissions office advises students to “be careful with humor and clichés” in their essays. Humor can be easily misinterpreted, and clichés are unoriginal and detract from your voice. As the examples above illustrate, using specific details to show UCLA who you are is important. Just keep in mind that they want to know more about who you are right now than who you plan to be in the future.  

Even with these tips, you might struggle to craft your essays for UCLA. IvyWise is here to help! Our counselors have served as admissions officers at some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S. and have read thousands of essays. Schedule an Initial Consultation to learn how we can help you with the college admissions process. 

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UCLA Acceptance Rate By Major & Program 2024

UCLA Admission Results for the Class of 2027

The UCLA acceptance rate in 2024 (for the class of 2027) is a staggering 8.6%, the lowest it has ever been. If you’re considering applying to UCLA, you might be wondering, "How hard is it to get into UCLA?"

In this post, we'll break down the UCLA acceptance rate, including the UCLA acceptance rate by major, UCLA acceptance rate by school, and UCLA admission statistics and demographics for the class of 2027.

Fun Fact about UCLA's Acceptance Rate

UCLA is the most applied to college in the world: last year UCLA received 149,815 applications from the Class of 2027. This is the highest number of applicants UCLA has received in its history.

Acceptance rate is a simple way to understand how selective or competitive a college is. The lower the acceptance rate, the harder it typically is to get admitted. Given UCLA's acceptance rate of 8.6%, UCLA is the most selective public university in the country.

UCLA is neck and neck with other top public universities like UC Berkeley , the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and UNC Chapel Hill in terms of selectivity.

Why is UCLA so popular?

As a top public college in the U.S., University of California Los Angeles is a popular choice for reasons beyond its academic rigor. UCLA is situated in the highly sought after neighborhood of Westwood in Los Angeles, known for its beautiful weather, beaches within driving distance, and college town feel.

UCLA has a great balance of academics and social life, and is known for its strong alumni network and career opportunities.

What is UCLA known for?

UCLA is also renowned for its strong film program—the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television—having one of top undergraduate STEM programs in California, and for having vigorous athletic programs as a Division I school.

Some of the most popular majors at UCLA are business & economics, pre-med (biology, neuroscience, and psychology), engineering, and political science.

How hard is it to get into UCLA?

To have your best chances for UCLA in 2024 , it's self-evident that your application must be strong across the board, as is the case for any selective college.

From your essays (called the Personal Insight Questions), to your extracurricular activities list, your GPA, and course rigor, you'll need to be a well-rounded student who excels in all areas to maximize your chances of getting into UCLA.

UCLA Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

UCLA is part of the University of California system, which includes 9 undergraduate universities. The UC system is unique in that it does not use the Common Application. Instead, the UC system has its own application, which is called the UC Application .

UCLA’s admit rate for the graduating high school class of 2024 is 8.6% because UCLA had admitted only 12,844 students out of the 149,815 total applicants. The UCLA acceptance rate continues to drop each year as you'll see in the chart below. This is largely due to the fact that the University of California-Los Angeles receives more and more applications every year. Read amazing essay examples from successful UCLA students who got into UCLA →

UCLA Early Decision Acceptance Rate

UCLA does not offer an early action (EA) nor early decision (ED) program. All applicants to the University of California are considered in the regular decision round.

Because of this, UCLA does not have an early decision acceptance rate nor an early action acceptance rate. All applicants are considered in the regular decision round.

UCLA Acceptance Rate by Year (2015-2024)

Here's a chart of UCLA's acceptance rate over the past 8 years.

And here's a table of UCLA's overall admission and yield rate over the past 8 years. UCLA had a yield of 50.31% this year, and a high yield is a good sign that UCLA is a popular choice amongst admitted students.

Source: UCLA Academic Planning and Budget: Common Data Set 2022-2024

Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

UCLA Acceptance Scattergram

This scattergram shows the GPA and test scores of students who were accepted, rejected, and waitlisted from UCLA. The green dots represent accepted students, while the red represents rejected students.

Note: UCLA no longer uses the SAT or ACT in its admissions process.

UCLA Acceptance Rate by Major 2024

When applying to UCLA , you'll need to select a school within UCLA to apply to. UCLA has 7 undergraduate schools, each with their own application process and acceptance rate.

Does UCLA admit by major?

Yes, UCLA does take into consideration your declared major in the admission process. According to the UCLA Application Review Process , UCLA will consider your major for certain schools within UCLA, such as the Samueli School of Engineering and the School of Nursing. UCLA does not take into consideration your major for the College of Letters and Science, which is the largest school within UCLA.

Source: UCLA Academic Planning and Budget: Admissions Statistics 2022-23

Source: UCLA Application Review Process for Freshmen

As you can see, the UCLA School of Nursing had the lowest acceptance rate of just 0.83%. The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering had the second lowest acceptance rate of 5.51%.

This means, if you want to get into UCLA , you should consider applying to the College of Letters and Science, which had the highest acceptance rate besides the Herb Alpert School of Music.

UCLA Acceptance Statistics and Demographics

The University of California in Los Angeles accepts a diverse class of freshman students each year. The UC Prompts often ask you to write about your background and identity, and UCLA is looking for students who will contribute to the diversity of the campus.

UCLA Student Statistics Class Applying 2022-2024 (Class of 2027)

Note: a Nonresident is a person who is not a citizen or national of the United States and who is in this country on a student visa or temporary basis and does not have the right to remain indefinitely. Does not include DACA, undocumented, or other eligible noncitizens in this category.

As you can see, UCLA is a diverse campus representing students of all backgrounds and identities. The University of California, Los Angeles' first-year student body in 2024 has a plurality of Asian students, followed by White students, and then Hispanic/Latino students.

UCLA Admission GPA Statistics

The University of California system calculates your UC GPA differently than your high school GPA. Instead of using your high school GPA, the UC application asks you to input all your courses and grades received.

As you can see, the vast majority of students admitted to UCLA have a high GPA. After your GPA, your UC essays are arguably the most important part of your application. Read amazing essay examples from successful UCLA students who got into UCLA →

UCLA Admission Average GPA

I hope this article helped you understand the UCLA acceptance rate. If you want to get into UCLA , you'll need to be a well-rounded student who excels in all areas. From your essays (called the Personal Insight Questions), to your extracurriculars, your GPA, and course rigor, you'll need to shine in every part of your application .

Read amazing essay examples from admitted University of California, Los Angeles students →

Meet the Author

Ryan Chiang

I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked.com - a website dedicated to helping students and their families apply to college with confidence & ease. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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UCLA’s Supplemental Essay Prompts

• Post author By Siena Swift
• Post date October 12, 2023
• No Comments on UCLA’s Supplemental Essay Prompts

The University of California — Los Angeles receives the most applications of any college in the nation. As one of the most prestigious universities in California, with an acceptance rate of 8.8% in 2023, it is frequently referred to as a “public Ivy.” As part of the sprawling UC system , students interested in UCLA must fill out the standardized UC application . Included in this application are eight short “personal insight questions” in lieu of one longer personal statement. Out of these eight questions, students must answer four.

Common App 911/UC App 911

Step-by-step strategic support.

While these eight questions are the same for every UC school, understanding the unique characteristics of UCLA will help you effectively answer these prompts. UCLA is looking specifically for “intellectual curiosity” and “personal development” in your responses to these essay prompts. Remember, the school aims to foster the shared values of “a creative, ambitious and diverse student body.”

When responding to these prompts, consider how to frame your growth and your commitment to creativity, ambition, and diversity through specific examples. Personal development is a continuous process—make it clear that you intend to contribute to the UCLA community and take advantage of its opportunities while you pursue your own unique path.

Essay Guidance

Get our expert guidance on your college essays.

UCLA’S SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY PROMPTS

Choose four of the eight “personal insight questions” to answer (350 words each):

• 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 stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

EXPERT GUIDANCE FOR AN ACADEMIC EDGE

Like the Common Application, the UC application gives you space to showcase your talents, passions and potential. If you’re aiming for UCLA and want more support filling out the UC application, we’ve got you covered in our Common App/UC App 911 Program .

Seeking expert essay guidance as well? Consider our Essay Guidance Program or bundle them for a complete, maximized UC application!

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How to Write the UCLA Supplemental Essays + 4 Examples

The UCLA supplemental essays (which are just the UC PIQs) are some of the most commonly requested essays we get. And, there’s a good reason for that: UCLA is a coveted school all across the world.

Surprisingly, it seems to even have more demand than UC Berkeley.

Well, who wouldn’t want to live in Los Angeles and enjoy a beautifully diverse community? Who doesn’t want a world-renown education that can push them to a great career?

Oh, and who can forget the food?

Almost every client we’ve worked with said their #1 reason for applying to UCLA is for the food.

…which is probably not a good reason.

Nonetheless, most of our clients got their wish! So, win-win right?

For the sake of this article, though, we’ll be covering one particular client and the successful application essays we helped them craft and brainstorm. When we worked with them on their UCLA application, they were applying knowing that they had a rather slim chance of acceptance.

It’s important to note that practically EVERYONE has a slim chance of getting accepted into UCLA. After all, the class of 2025 had an acceptance rate of 10.77% . The class of 2026 had an acceptance rate of 8.57%.

So, our client wasn’t exactly an outlier here.

Nonetheless, we’re quite impressed and proud of them for the quality of their essay. Working with them throughout the brainstorming, editing, and writing process was a pleasure; we’re hoping to provide everyone with the same quality of help!

In this article, we’ll be covering how to write the UCLA Supplemental Essays by showing you 4 example essays that worked. We’ll also cover what made these example essays get our client accepted.

Table of Contents

About Our Client’s Stats

Ucla essay 1: the labor of baking, ucla essay 2: adhd, ucla essay 3: life of a pretty girl, ucla essay 4: asking for help, flow and readability, honesty and transparency, growth over time.

Professional College Application Help.

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During the application process, our client was quite pessimistic about their acceptance chances.

They had a lower GPA than the average applying year. In addition, they had a few incongruencies during their academic years that made applying a bit difficult.

This was partly due to a late diagnosis of ADHD, compensating for this learning condition as a neuroatypical student, and a conglomeration of other unusual circumstances such as business operations and other externalities.

Though, they did have some level of work experience, startup small business experience, and experience at an internship.

Long story short, due to unusual circumstances and an abnormal background, our client didn’t have as competitive of a GPA and extracurriculars/work experience as other highly qualified candidates to be competitive.

That’s why it took quite a lot of time, effort, and elbow grease for our team to collaborate with them and make a solid set of UCLA essays that worked.

And, hey! They got in!

*cue streamers*

Now, what does this mean?

It does NOT mean that you can get accepted into UCLA just by writing a solid essay.

UCLA weighs the GPA heavily into its admissions decision process. So, just having a great essay alone is not going to guarantee your foot in the door.

However, if you do have a lower-than-average GPA, it’s important that you use the UCLA essays as a way to subtly explain the reason for your low performance. You can even use the additional information section to elaborate on strange or unusual parts of your application!

Alright, with that said, let’s go over 4 of our UCLA supplemental essay examples that worked.

UCLA Supplemental Essay Examples

0. 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. UC Essay Prompt –Required Question

“As a Labor Studies major, I believe every experience we have in the workforce is one that can prepare us for the future.  When I was a child I spent my summers in Zürich, Switzerland surrounded by the smell of fresh pastries and chocolates in my grandma’s house. As a young adult, I chased after that nostalgia by recreating it in a career that would bring me closer to feeling that same amount of contentment. So in the beginning of 2020 I started my own business right out of culinary school. I didn’t have the textbook knowledge that most entrepreneurs would’ve liked to begin with; but, I had a network of people supporting my endeavor. Being a business owner was a dream of mine, and it demanded quick learning. My experiences as an employee in my adolescent years greatly shaped the way that I held myself as an employer in my own company.  Through trial and error, I successfully scaled it for nearly a full year before the effects of the global pandemic hit. I wasn’t willing to give up so quickly and persevered through a second year, which gave me the opportunity to connect with other business owners like myself. Through all of the tribulations, I found a community of people I felt I could identify with and learn from. This first-hand experience lets me understand the dynamics of labor in our modern world on a personal level.  Those years I spent staying up late, working weekends, and missing friends and family gave me so much more than I could imagine. I learned how to pace myself, connect with others, and it gave me a determination to succeed that I didn’t know I had in me. At the end I discovered that I had so much more than one singular dream and I began to accept that making new memories is better than chasing old ones. The entirety of it all, made me someone who’ll always be a student ready to learn new concepts even if they aren’t the ones I was expecting.” Successful UC Essay for Required Question

Note: If you’re looking to write your UCLA essay on ADHD, we understand how it could potentially be troubling and difficult to write. If you’re NOT certain you can write a UCLA essay on ADHD, we STRONGLY recommend checking out our sister article here .

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? UC Essay Propmt 5 –Challenge Question

“There’s no more shockingly profound moment before they come back from the room and give you an official title of, “So, you happen to have attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)” because, like trumpets roaring in unison, the mind finally goes… “Aha! So that’s what it was this whole time!” Though, personally, I don’t think it’s entirely accurate. It’s more than just the stereotypes, and the scatterbrained-ness. It’s literally being incongruent from others. It’s masking said difference as “oh, silly me; how quirky, teehee!” and hoping, hoping, that I won’t somehow get “discovered” as if hiding were so necessary. It’s that… and, like, a million more.  Here’s an example.  My diverted attention in action during class: A discussion on Poe’s “Raven”. I’d think, “there-was-a-guy-from-a-show-I-watched-who-was-surrounded-by-ravens-and-wow-he-was-attractive-I-wish-I-could-move-like-a-ninja-like-him-I-wonder-how-ninjas-even…” before having my stream of consciousness interrupted by “[client name], what did Poe really mean?” to which I’d scan the board for context clues at mach 5 speed to answer.  And, what else would a teacher feel other than sassed? Here’s some girl, who looks like she’s not paying attention, and then answers questions anyway. So: punishment.  When my best friend suggested I see a professional, I initially thought she was joking. But, I went anyway. Hearing a professional deconstruct every element of my life in perfect surgical detail was stunning.  It’s hard to navigate the world once you realize you’ve been disadvantaged in certain ways that you never knew were possible. It felt like I was running a marathon, only to discover half way through that I started five miles behind everyone else. It shattered my world… for a moment.  But, I adapted using my newfound knowledge to catch up on academic goals otherwise unreachable. This adaptation required Herculean mental strength to overcome old habits and condition my divergent mind to modern sensibilities. Don’t give in to instant gratification; stare intently at a single object without breaking attention; pace the workload and transition when needed; listen and rewatch lectures when the mind is tame. Most importantly: forgiveness. It’s biting my shameful pride and accepting at teams my imperfection. I forgive myself for not meeting other people’s standards. It’s definitely not perfect, but it’s progress and I’m better for it.” Successful UC Essay Prompt 5 Example Essay

3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? UC Essay Prompt 3 –Talent or Skill Prompt

“She looks over the edge of the cliff, or at least what she can make of it being just inches away from the precipice of falling from a horrible height. She doesn’t want to look, and her imagination runs wild into just how steep the fall is; yet, there’s a brutalizing crawling atop the cliff that she can’t stop. She keeps walking, and it gets closer. She doesn’t want to see. She gets closer. It’s coming.   This is the life of a “pretty girl” –metaphorically, of course.  I don’t really like the label of being called a “pretty girl”… wait. I can’t even continue that thought without also saying I don’t fully believe I’m that pretty. I would feel vain and arrogant if I didn’t at least acknowledge that I don’t see myself that way. The topic of Aestheticism is just like that: a minefield where you can’t talk about one thing without triggering another topic.  So, if my prose is still bearable, I’d like to share what my life being labeled as “aesthetically gifted” is like. It’s hard. Hard in what way?  Well, it’s dreadful. Dread for the future. Those with our label can’t think in the future; or, at least, we shouldn’t. How does that work?  When I was in elementary and middle school, I was always told by strangers and family members that I was pretty. It taught me something subtle: that there’s quite a lot of value to be pretty. I am nothing without beauty, as beauty is everything to young women in society. But, what happens as I age and the collagen runs dry? Life no longer holds meaning because I don’t mean anything to society once my beauty fades. It’s a nihilism bomb. Tick, tick, tick.  I do not develop my talent in beauty; I overcome it.  How? It means looking past that cliff. It means seeing what’s beyond and accepting that, at some point, that beauty fades. But, I’ll no longer have my value as a human be determined by the whims of others’ standards. And, with that ego death, I started to live.”  Successful UC Essay Prompt 3 Example Essay

7. 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? UC Essay Prompt 7 –Strong Candidacy Prompt

“After closing my business in March, I didn’t have high expectations for this summer. In June, I was given an opportunity to work with my half-sister in a company she’s been at for a while. When I accepted, I couldn’t anticipate that I would grow so quickly into a managerial position or that I would come to meet and love the people I do now. The team that I’m working with at the moment has given me the faith to lean on my teammates and really come together to exceed our own expectations. I’m aware that the area we’re in, San Gabriel Valley, is a very close-knit area so the sense of cultural community that it provides is astounding. I’m grateful to have been given the chance to manage this team over the summer and into next year as they’ve really branched out my world view. Having been born and raised here in southern California, I previously felt that I already had a broad cultural experience given the diversity of Los Angeles.  Working with this team has shown me that we can always broaden our horizons and that there is so much more this world has to offer. Even against our own volition, we’d hear, “It’s ‘okay’ to ask for help” and we’d brush that off with a “yeah, yeah…” knowing full well we won’t. But, now we don’t.  That’s because it’s not just ‘okay’ to ask for help. It’s necessary.  I have more pride in the richness of my own cultural background after participating in this project and I believe I can bring a new perspective to any table that I may have the opportunity to sit at. My time with this group has extended my patience, and deepened my empathy and compassion. I choose to see this and all of my previous experiences as adventures that have strengthened my integrity and I am beyond appreciative for that. I’m eagerly awaiting the opportunity to use the knowledge I’ve accumulated to enrich any future experiences I’ll have, whether it be in an academic or social setting.” Successful UC Essay Prompt 7 Example Essay

Why They Worked

There are a lot of elements that make up a strong college essay. For our example UCLA supplemental essays, we’ve needed to take a lot of time editing, writing, rewriting, and brainstorming before coming to the final product.

Here are the 4 elements that made these essays strong.

Creativity, flow and readability, honesty and transparency, and growth over time.

Note that you do NOT need to have ALL of these elements to write a winning set of UCLA supplemental essays. However, it certainly helps to have all of these elements in your writing if you want to maximize your chances of getting accepted.

One of the best elements you can implement into your UCLA supplemental essays —and all college essays for that matter— is creativity.

Having creative prose can help your essay stand out from the rest of the admissions pool.

But, there are many ways you can be creative in your UCLA supplemental essays. You can be creative by using analogies to explain your situation. You can be creative through your imagery and prose. You can be creative by answering the UC PIQs in an unconventional manner.

Here’s an example of our implementing creativity into our client’s essay.

“She looks over the edge of the cliff, or at least what she can make of it being just inches away from the precipice of falling from a horrible height. She doesn’t want to look, and her imagination runs wild into just how steep the fall is; yet, there’s a brutalizing crawling atop the cliff that she can’t stop. She keeps walking, and it gets closer. She doesn’t want to see. She gets closer. It’s coming. This is the life of a “pretty girl” –metaphorically, of course.” Example of Creatvity in the UCLA Essays –PenningPapers

Note that our client could have just written about how hard life was as a pretty girl. However, she knew that many people suffer the same problems that pretty women endure. Thus, they can have a more powerful essay by implementing creative prose into the essay.

We advised our client to start the essay with an analogy of what being a pretty girl was like. Then, we suggested using an unconventional sentence structure and length that would diversify the feel of the writing.

This was especially effective, and gave her story a much more rich experience for the admissions officers compared to just stating, “Being pretty is hard.”

Interestingly enough, it’s this creativity that actually allows students to write about college essay topics that they feel they’re not too comfortable discussing. Topics like death, ADHD, money, and other controversial topics may seem too risky. It’s why few people write about it, which makes them uncommon and unique topics.

But, creative prose allows students to approach such topics beautifully to captivate admissions officers.

Flow and readability constitute the backbone of your college essays.

If you want to write a successful UCLA supplemental essay that gets you accepted (and perhaps even is usable for other college essay questions) you will need to have a strong flow and readability that admissions officers can understand.

If you don’t have flow in your writing, you risk having a choppy sentence structure that makes following your words difficult.

Here’s a good example of flow in our example UCLA supplemental essays.

“My diverted attention in action during class: A discussion on Poe’s “Raven”. I’d think, “there-was-a-guy-from-a-show-I-watched-who-was-surrounded-by-ravens-and-wow-he-was-attractive-I-wish-I-could-move-like-a-ninja-like-him-I-wonder-how-ninjas-even…” before having my stream of consciousness interrupted by “[client name], what did Poe really mean?” to which I’d scan the board for context clues at Mach 5 speed to answer.  And, what else would a teacher feel other than sassed? Here’s some girl, who looks like she’s not paying attention, and then answers questions anyway. So: punishment.  Example of Flow and Readability in the UCLA Supplemental Essays –PenningPapers

Pat attention to the way the writing here reads. The first sentence is quite long and verbose. However, the way the subjects and predicates are strung together is consistent and easy enough to read for an admissions officer to skim through in one sitting without having to read twice.

You can make the flow and readability of your writing easier to understand by writing all events in the order of when they occur. In this case, there are no jumps in the timeline. It’s just our client detailing what their experience with boredom in class is like. Then, they move to the teacher testing their attention. Then, the client scans the board. Then, the teacher feels sassed. Then, punishment.

The order of events follows a timeline and does not jump between events. So, it’s easy for admissions officers to follow the events occurring in the essay.

In addition, you’ll notice we helped our client bring variety in sentence structure, punctuation, and sentence length. By diversifying these elements of writing, the text appears more interesting and appealing to the eye.

Make sure to use different punctuation like semicolons, em dashes, and colons. Vary the length of sentences. And, vary the order of predicates and subjects.

By doing this, you prevent your writing from sounding choppy and boring. This also keeps admissions officers interested and makes the overall flow easier to understand.

We give this point to practically every college essay example and guide, and for good reason.

To write a successful UCLA supplemental essay that gets you accepted, you must speak honestly and transparently. This is perhaps one of the most understated pieces of advice given to UC applicants.

If you write with honesty and transparency, the best parts of your personality are going to shine through your writing. You won’t sound fake. You won’t sound ostentatious. You’ll sound like a candidate that the admissions office can trust.

And, in the modern age of college admissions scandals , fake extracurriculars , and lazy students looking to game the system at every corner, trust is worth more than gold.

We’ll repeat that.

If you can gain the admissions officer’s trust in the essay section, that trust is worth more than gold. Period.

Here’s a super cool example of what being honest and transparent can do.

“ I don’t really like the label of being called a “pretty girl”… wait. I can’t even continue that thought without also saying I don’t fully believe I’m that pretty. I would feel vain and arrogant if I didn’t at least acknowledge that I don’t see myself that way. The topic of Aestheticism is just like that: a minefield where you can’t talk about one thing without triggering another topic. “ Example Honesty and Trasnparency in the UCLA supplemental essay –PenningPapers

The interesting thing about this passage of our UCLA example PIQ is that it interrupts the flow of dialogue to introduce meta ideas that our client was feeling. They don’t like being called a “pretty girl”. But, before they can even continue talking about that, they recognize that the potential to be called “vain” and “arrogant” hangs over their head like a Sword of Damocles.

This is therefore a loaded conversation that is impossible to discuss without stepping over eggshells. And, the client’s recognition of said conversational trickiness opens her up to the admissions officers.

Opening up to the admissions officers and recognizing when some things are hard is a great way to get close to your readers. It, of course, needs to be approached with tact and delicate writing skill.

If you wish to cover an unconventional or difficult topic in your UCLA supplemental essays, but don’t know how to do so correctly, consider speaking with us for a free consultation . Our college admissions essay editors and advisors can help you craft a strong supplemental essay that stands out without raising any red flags.

We’re going to be upfront about this.

You don’t technically have to write about growth over time in your essay explicitly. That is, you don’t need to dedicate any lines or paragraphs explaining how you grew or developed in character over the years. There doesn’t need to be a dedicated section to it.

But, it is still useful to demonstrate such growth over time subtly through inference.

Here’s an example of showing growth over time.

“But, I adapted using my newfound knowledge to catch up on academic goals otherwise unreachable. This adaptation required Herculean mental strength to overcome old habits and condition my divergent mind to modern sensibilities. Don’t give in to instant gratification; stare intently at a single object without breaking attention; pace the workload and transition when needed; listen and rewatch lectures when the mind is tame. Most importantly: forgiveness. It’s biting my shameful pride and accepting at teams my imperfection. I forgive myself for not meeting other people’s standards. It’s definitely not perfect, but it’s progress and I’m better for it. “ Example of Growth Over Time in the UCLA Supplemental Essay –PenningPapers

You don’t need to directly state that you’re growing and developing in your essay. But, it’s helpful to demonstrate it subtly through the language in your writing.

In this UCLA supplemental essay example, we used techniques for overcoming a scattered mind to demonstrate the client’s willingness to change for the better. We show HOW our client is improving in their condition rather than SAYING it directly. It’s this “show don’t tell” mindset that actually makes the writing much more convincing to admissions officers.

By showing growth over time subtly through the efforts you do rather than just stating it as fact, you can gain your reader’s trust. And, as we mentioned previously: trust is worth more than gold.

If you’re still unsure of how to approach the UCLA supplemental essay or are still looking to write strong essays that stand out from the rest of the admissions pool, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Schedule a free UC admissions essay consultation with us. Our expert college admissions consultants and essay editors will provide you with the best practices needed to write a winning set of PIQ essays that get you accepted into UCLA.

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