University of California-Davis essay prompts
2026-27verified University of California-Davis admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August.
Community
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
350 words max · Required
Leadership
Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
350 words max · Required
Creative Side
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.
350 words max · Required
Greatest Talent/Skill
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
350 words max · Required
Educational Opportunity/Barrier
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
350 words max · Required
Significant Challenge
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?
350 words max · Required
Subject That Inspires
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
350 words max · Required
Standing Out
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?
350 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
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Common questions
- What are the University of California-Davis essay prompts for 2026-27?
- University of California-Davis lists Community (1 prompt); Leadership (1 prompt); Creative Side (1 prompt); Greatest Talent/Skill (1 prompt); Educational Opportunity/Barrier (1 prompt); Significant Challenge (1 prompt); Subject That Inspires (1 prompt); Standing Out (1 prompt) for 2026-27.
- How many essays does University of California-Davis require?
- University of California-Davis requires 8 essays based on the published group instructions for 2026-27. The page lists 8 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the University of California-Davis supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 350 words max.