8 Mistakes To Avoid When Writing UC Personal Insight Questions

Summary

In this video, the host advises on avoiding eight common mistakes when crafting UC personal insight questions, emphasizing the importance of concise storytelling, focusing on future aspirations, and not overemphasizing empathy. Tips include not repeating accomplishments, not complaining about circumstances, and repurposing common application essays for UC prompts. A free training link and a Facebook group for college admissions support are also shared.

Takeaways

• 📚 Listen to the end of the video for the best tip on personal insight questions for UC applications.
• 🔗 Subscribe to the channel for notifications on new videos about college essays, volunteering, and summer programs.
• 🎓 The speaker attended UCLA and then transferred to USC, gaining insights into UC applications.
• 🚫 Avoid repeating your accomplishments in all four personal insight questions; use the 350-word limit wisely.
• 🤔 Discuss setbacks and hardships without complaining; show growth and maturity.
• 📉 Keep storytelling concise; focus on values and qualities you want to demonstrate, not just the narrative.
• 🌟 Mention your future goals and dreams to show readiness and potential.
• 📈 Choose a prompt that best represents your values, even if it's challenging, to showcase your strengths.
• 🤝 Emphasize empathy and kindness, but balance it with rigor, independence, and problem-solving abilities.
• 🎨 Be creative but don't overdo it; the essay's purpose is to show your potential, not just creativity.
• 🔄 Repurposing common application essays for UC personal insight questions is a strategy, but ensure the core message remains intact.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about avoiding common mistakes when writing UC (University of California) personal insight questions for college applications.

What is the speaker's background in relation to UC applications?

The speaker attended UCLA for a year and then transferred to USC, and has helped hundreds of students get accepted into their dream UC schools.

What is the first mistake mentioned in the video that students should avoid when writing their personal insight questions?

The first mistake is repeating accomplishments over and over again in the personal insight questions.

Why is it important not to complain about one's circumstances in the personal insight questions?

Complaining about circumstances can show a negative mindset, whereas discussing setbacks and hardships in a way that demonstrates growth and a willingness to learn from them shows a positive, mature attitude.

How does the speaker suggest handling storytelling in the personal insight questions?

The speaker advises against focusing too much on storytelling due to the 350-word limit per question, suggesting to summarize the story and focus on the values and qualities to be demonstrated.

What is the significance of addressing one's future in the personal insight questions?

Addressing one's future goals, dreams, and career plans shows colleges that the applicant is ready, independent, and has potential.

Why should students not choose a prompt just because it's easier to answer?

Students should select prompts that best represent their values and qualities, even if they seem uncomfortable or challenging, to showcase their depth and suitability for the university.

What is the speaker's stance on emphasizing empathy and kindness in the essays?

While empathy and kindness are important, the speaker advises not to overemphasize them, as UC schools also value rigor, independence, and problem-solving abilities.

What advice does the speaker give regarding being unique or creative in the essays?

The speaker advises not to try too hard to be creative or emotional, as the essays should focus on showcasing the applicant's identity and potential.

How can students repurpose their common application essays for the UC personal insight questions?

Students can repurpose their common application essays by condensing them to fit the 350-word limit of the UC personal insight questions, ensuring the meaning and values are preserved.

What additional resource does the speaker offer for those interested in college admissions strategies?

The speaker offers a free training on college admissions strategies and invites viewers to join a Facebook group called 'Conquer College Admissions' for more support and information.