UCLA essay prompts
2025-26verified University of California-Los Angeles admissions
These are the most recent prompts Kolly has verified, and UCLA may have updated them for 2026-27 since. Check the official source before you submit. These are the most recent prompts Kolly has verified for this school. Schools typically publish final 2026-27 supplements by early August; check the official source below before submitting.
Personal insight questions
All UC campuses share these eight questions. Choose four and write up to 350 words each.
Choose 4 of the following.
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 · Optional
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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 · Optional
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What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
350 words max · Optional
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Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
350 words max · Optional
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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 · Optional
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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 · Optional
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What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
350 words max · Optional
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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 · Optional
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About the application
Uses the University of California application.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the UCLA essay prompts for 2025-26?
- UCLA lists Personal insight questions (8 prompts, choose 4) for 2025-26.
- How many essays does UCLA require?
- UCLA requires 4 essays based on the published group instructions for 2025-26. The page lists 0 required and 8 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the UCLA supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 350 words max.