UC Santa Barbara
11 admitted essays shared for UCSB
UC PIQ
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
As I walked into the brightly lit room, I found the untidiness of the place unsettling. I had come to my sister’s lab, and my first thought was how quickly we could leave. It wasn’t until I learned about my sister’s…
UC PIQ
“Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.”
During our trip to Greece to visit family friends, I faced a reality that was nothing like what I had imagined. Every person we encountered during our trip was a refugee from our home country, Turkey, and their stories…
UC PIQ
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
“How old are you even?” The little kids glanced up at me, as they examined my age, which did not match the typical age of a teacher. This was my first time standing in front of a class. As the child of two Turkish…
UC PIQ
“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?”
Junior year of high school, I threw myself into weightlifting after quitting aquatics. I showed up to the gym five days a week, tracking calories and pushing myself to eat more than ever, but the scale never moved. My…
UC PIQ
“Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.”
One week before the fall semester, the IVC Economics Club was leaderless and unorganized. The president transferred out, and I was asked to take her place having just started as the Head of Research that summer. I…
UC PIQ
“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.”
Over the past two years at community college, I have made an effort to prepare for my Business Administration major by combining academics, industry experience, and applied research. My time working at a real estate…
UC PIQ
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
Making my school and community a better place starts with a mindset of servitude, even in the smallest acts. Whether it's cleaning up after others, offering spiritual or emotional support, or simply showing up for…
UC PIQ
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place.”
As time was ticking, empty chairs became witnesses to the long hall of absent seats. An hour passed, and still, there was no audience to hear the presentations, leaving my heart heavy. This disheartening scene unfolded…
UC PIQ
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
What’s the value of life? The complexity of the human body is truly one of the most magnificent structures ever to exist. A single foot comprises 38 bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles—held in place by 2…
UC PIQ
“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?”
Panting. Grunting. Sweating. Bleeding. But I keep moving. There are three minutes left on the clock out of five minutes. I watched his every move, the degree at which he throws his hand, the placement of his feet, and…
UC PIQ
“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.”
I entered the grand ballroom of time, witnessing musical notes dressed in shimmering robes of sound, gracefully waltzing in a harmonious choreography, expressing sorrow when needed, anger when necessary, and happiness…