Every Common App and UC essay prompt, in full

Background, Identity, Interest, or Talent

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2026-2027 cycle · 650-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Overcoming Challenges

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

2026-2027 cycle · 650-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Questioning a Belief

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

2026-2027 cycle · 650-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Gratitude

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

2026-2027 cycle · 650-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Personal Growth

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

2026-2027 cycle · 650-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Engaging Topic

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

2026-2027 cycle · 650-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Topic of Your Choice

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

2026-2027 cycle · 650-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Leadership Experience

Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

2026-2027 cycle · 350-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

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.

2026-2027 cycle · 350-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Greatest Talent or Skill

What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

2026-2027 cycle · 350-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Educational Opportunity or Barrier

Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

2026-2027 cycle · 350-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

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?

2026-2027 cycle · 350-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Academic Subject That Inspires You

Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

2026-2027 cycle · 350-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Making Community Better

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

2026-2027 cycle · 350-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source

Strong Candidate

Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

2026-2027 cycle · 350-word maximum · verified Apr 20, 2026 · official source