Writing UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

If you’re applying to a University of California school, you’ll need to answer four short essay questions called PIQs—Personal Insight Questions.

Unlike traditional essays, PIQs are more like short responses. Each one highlights a different part of your story. The goal is to show who you are beyond your grades and activities. What drives you? What have you learned? What challenges have shaped you?

You’ll pick 4 prompts out of 8. And no, you don’t need to be a “perfect” writer—what matters most is your honesty, clarity, and reflection.

To make it easier, we’ve created a UC PIQ Brainstorming Activity Sheet you can download to help you map out your stories before you start drafting. (More on that below).

This guide from the Onward Scholars Program will help you:

  • Choose the right prompts

  • Tell authentic, meaningful stories

  • Let your unique voice come through

What UC Schools Are Looking For

UC admissions officers want to understand your story. They’re looking for evidence of your character, motivation, resilience, and potential to contribute to campus life. The PIQs are a chance to reflect on who you are—not just what you’ve done.

Strong PIQ responses often show:

  • Personal growth or self-awareness

  • Resilience in the face of challenges

  • Passion, initiative, or leadership

  • Clear values and goals

Each response is up to 350 words. You’ll choose the 4 prompts that best highlight your character and potential.

Choosing the Right PIQ Prompts

Each of the 8 UC prompts is designed to reveal something different—leadership, creativity, community, challenges, and more. No question is more important than the others. Pick the ones that feel real to you.

To choose well:

✔ Read all 8 prompts first

✔ Highlight the ones that spark a story

✔ Ask yourself: “What does this help the reader learn about me?”

The best combo of four shows different dimensions of who you are.

Tips for Writing Strong UC PIQs

Choose prompts that reflect who you are.
Pick ones that let you share meaningful moments—not just list achievements. Together, your four answers should show different parts of your personality, interests, or background.

Go deep, not wide.
Don’t try to cram in everything. Focus on one key moment per response and use it to reflect on your growth. What did you learn? Why does it matter?

Be clear, honest, and real.
Your voice matters more than fancy words. You don’t need to sound “academic”—you need to sound like you. That’s what admissions officers respond to.

Plan Your PIQ Responses

The easiest way to get started is to put your ideas down on paper. That’s why the Onward Scholars Program created a UC PIQ Brainstorming Activity Sheet.

Use this worksheet to:

  • Explore all 8 prompts and decide which ones fit your story

  • Jot down meaningful experiences, challenges, and lessons learned

  • Outline key points for each response before you start writing

TIP! Don’t worry about being polished at first —this sheet is for brainstorming. The goal is to get your best ideas out so you can refine and trim them later.

Next Up: The Common App Essay

Most students applying to college will also need to write the Common App personal statement. Learn how to choose your topic, stay authentic, and write with confidence.