University of California-San Diego essay prompts
2025-26verified University of California-San Diego admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August. 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.
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
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
Community / Identity
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
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
Challenge / Setback
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
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
Academic Subject Passion
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
Beyond the Application
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.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the University of California-San Diego essay prompts for 2025-26?
- University of California-San Diego lists Leadership (1 prompt); Educational Opportunity / Barrier (1 prompt); Community / Identity (1 prompt); Creative Side (1 prompt); Challenge / Setback (1 prompt); Talent / Skill (1 prompt); Academic Subject Passion (1 prompt); Beyond the Application (1 prompt) for 2025-26.
- How many essays does University of California-San Diego require?
- University of California-San Diego requires 8 essays based on the published group instructions for 2025-26. The page lists 8 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the University of California-San Diego supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 350 words max.