University of California-San Diego

Supplemental essays

Answer 4 of 8 — max 350 words each.

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. (max 350 words)
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. (max 350 words)
3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? (max 350 words)
4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. (max 350 words)
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? (max 350 words)
6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. (max 350 words)
7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? (max 350 words)
8. 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? (max 350 words)

Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).