UC Prompt
Prompt: 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?
Answer: Freshman year of high school didn’t feel like a new start the way everyone said it would. I was at a school I didn’t want to be at, in a mental state I wasn’t comfortable with, and was surrounded by friends that weren’t what I needed. I woke up at 6:30am, washed away dry tears from the night before, brushed my teeth to get rid of the negative words I mouthed as I had to get up for school, got dressed in a different variation of the same outfit from the day before. I dreaded the 8 minute car ride from home to school, knowing I wouldn’t be back in my bed until 8 hours later. I soon began to let go of any care I still held for my grades and education. Freshman year went by slowly but I pushed through and got to 10th grade. I don’t know what it was or why this year felt different for me but I know the change happened during the summer transition. I let go of friends who didn’t add positivity to my life, I made new relationships with others who I felt safe with, and I began to care for my education like I once did. This was my best year so far. Coming into 11th grade, I was determined to challenge myself and feel the rush of energy that I loved to feel when I was younger. I wanted my schedule to change. I took all of the honors courses I was offered and finally felt challenged once again, in math especially. I finally felt the struggle. I woke up at 6:30am , washed away the tears of laughter from the night before, brushed my teeth, and put on an outfit in which I felt confident in. I no longer dreaded not being in my bed, but was eager to sit down and deeply understand what I was learning. With this new found motivation I am ready to face the challenges that will come along with college and embrace the struggle that comes with success.
Answer: Freshman year of high school didn’t feel like a new start the way everyone said it would. I was at a school I didn’t want to be at, in a mental state I wasn’t comfortable with, and was surrounded by friends that weren’t what I needed. I woke up at 6:30am, washed away dry tears from the night before, brushed my teeth to get rid of the negative words I mouthed as I had to get up for school, got dressed in a different variation of the same outfit from the day before. I dreaded the 8 minute car ride from home to school, knowing I wouldn’t be back in my bed until 8 hours later. I soon began to let go of any care I still held for my grades and education. Freshman year went by slowly but I pushed through and got to 10th grade. I don’t know what it was or why this year felt different for me but I know the change happened during the summer transition. I let go of friends who didn’t add positivity to my life, I made new relationships with others who I felt safe with, and I began to care for my education like I once did. This was my best year so far. Coming into 11th grade, I was determined to challenge myself and feel the rush of energy that I loved to feel when I was younger. I wanted my schedule to change. I took all of the honors courses I was offered and finally felt challenged once again, in math especially. I finally felt the struggle. I woke up at 6:30am , washed away the tears of laughter from the night before, brushed my teeth, and put on an outfit in which I felt confident in. I no longer dreaded not being in my bed, but was eager to sit down and deeply understand what I was learning. With this new found motivation I am ready to face the challenges that will come along with college and embrace the struggle that comes with success.