University of California-Irvine essay prompts
2026-27verified University of California-Irvine admissions
PIQ 1: Leadership (choose 4 of 8)
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
PIQ 2: Creativity (choose 4 of 8)
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
PIQ 3: Greatest Talent (choose 4 of 8)
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
350 words max · Required
PIQ 4: Educational Opportunity / Barrier (choose 4 of 8)
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
PIQ 5: Significant Challenge (choose 4 of 8)
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
PIQ 6: Inspiring Academic Subject (choose 4 of 8)
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
PIQ 7: Community Impact (choose 4 of 8)
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
350 words max · Required
PIQ 8: Why You Are Excellent for UC (choose 4 of 8)
From your point of view, what do you feel makes you an excellent choice for UC?
350 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
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Common questions
- What are the University of California-Irvine essay prompts for 2026-27?
- University of California-Irvine lists PIQ 1: Leadership (choose 4 of 8) (1 prompt); PIQ 2: Creativity (choose 4 of 8) (1 prompt); PIQ 3: Greatest Talent (choose 4 of 8) (1 prompt); PIQ 4: Educational Opportunity / Barrier (choose 4 of 8) (1 prompt); PIQ 5: Significant Challenge (choose 4 of 8) (1 prompt); PIQ 6: Inspiring Academic Subject (choose 4 of 8) (1 prompt); PIQ 7: Community Impact (choose 4 of 8) (1 prompt); PIQ 8: Why You Are Excellent for UC (choose 4 of 8) (1 prompt) for 2026-27.
- How many essays does University of California-Irvine require?
- University of California-Irvine 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-Irvine supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 350 words max.