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最熱燙燙的University of California 2016-17 Essay Questions出爐囉！

這次UC的Essay終於來個世紀大變革，已經維持將近10年不變的UC Essay，針對2016-17的Freshman admission終於有了改變！

以往UC all campus僅須回答百年不變的2題essay，字數total要1000字

而今年開始，從下一屆的申請開始，改成8題選4題，每題最多350字限，感覺得出來是希望學生開始撰寫short essay。

讓我們參考一下以下詳細的essay questions，並瞭解一下這次UC在玩些什麼遊戲：

Directions

You will have 8 questions to choose from. You must respond to only 4 of the 8 questions.

Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.

Which questions you choose to answer is entirely up to you:  But you should select questions that are most relevant to your experience and that best reflect your individual circumstances.

Keep in mind

All questions are equal:  All are given equal consideration in the application review process, which means there is no advantage or disadvantage to choosing certain questions over others.

There is no right or wrong way to answer these questions:  It’s about getting to know your personality, background, interests and achievements in your own unique voice.  

Questions & guidance

Remember, the personal questions are just that — personal. Which means you should use our guidance for each question just as a suggestion in case you need help.  The important thing is expressing who are you, what matters to you and what you want to share with UC. 

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

Things to consider: A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or a taking lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about your accomplishments and what you learned from the experience.  What were your responsibilities? 

Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church in your community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to school activities.  For example, do you help out or take care of your family?

(小編：第一題算是基本題，不過這次UC希望學生能夠直接針對leadership經驗發揮，看來UC越來越重視活動/志工/幹部經驗這件事是真的。)

2. 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.  

Things to consider:  What does creativity mean to you? Do you have a creative skill that is important to you? What have you been able to do with that skill? If you used creativity to solve a problem, what was your solution? What are the steps you took to solve the problem?

How does your creativity influence your decisions inside or outside the classroom? Does your creativity relate to your major or a future career?

(小編：這題算是挺創新的一題，也是UC希望看到學生除了在學術表現之外的創意特質。)

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

Things to consider: If there’s a talent or skill that you’re proud of, this is the time to share it. You don’t necessarily have to be recognized or have received awards for your talent (although if you did and you want to talk about, feel free to do so). Why is this talent or skill meaningful to you?

Does the talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or talent? Does your talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the classroom? If so, what are they and how do they fit into your schedule?

(小編：這題也是往年UC的基本題，希望學生描述個人特質和能力。)

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

Things to consider: An educational opportunity can be anything that has added value to your educational experience and better prepared you for college. For example, participation in an honors or academic enrichment program, or enrollment in an academy that’s geared toward an occupation or a major, or taking advanced courses that interest you — just to name a few. 

If you choose to write about educational barriers you’ve faced, how did you overcome or strived to overcome them? What personal characteristics or skills did you call on to overcome this challenge? How did overcoming this barrier help shape who are you today?

(小編：這題雖然不是UC的基本題，但也是Common App的基本題之一，UC這次將它納入Essay題目之一，且350字內要詳細描述，「精準」是重要關鍵。)

5. 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?

Things to consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good opportunity to talk about any obstacles you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from the experience. Did you have support from someone else or did you handle it alone?

If you’re currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now, and does that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, “How has my life changed at home, at my school, with my friends, or with my family?”

(小編：這題同時是UC和Common App的基本概念題目，相信學生們應該都需要應付。)

6.  Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you.

Things to consider: Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had inside and outside the classroom — such as volunteer work, summer programs, participation in student organizations and/or activities — and what you have gained from your involvement.

Has your interest in the subject influenced you in choosing a major and/or career? Have you been able to pursue coursework at a higher level in this subject (honors, AP, IB, college or university work)?

(小編：這題是UC新的題目，看來UC也開始擔心越來越多學生都選擇undecided major方式進學校，但卻找不到自己興趣方向...更不希望學生亂選major...)

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

Things to consider: Think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place – like your high school, hometown, or home. You can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. Was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community?

Why were you inspired to act?  What did you learn from your effort? How did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both? Did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community?

(小編：這類的題目是美國大學很喜歡問的--about the school community，你要如何貢獻自己給這個community？不好應付。)

8. What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates applying to the University of California?

Things to consider: Don’t be afraid to brag a little. Even if you don’t think you’re unique, you are — remember, there’s only one of you in the world. From your point of view, what do you feel makes you belong on one of UC’s campuses? When looking at your life, what does a stranger need to understand in order to know you? 

What have you not shared with us that will highlight a skill, talent, challenge, or opportunity that you think will help us know you better? We’re not necessarily looking for what makes you unique compared to others, but what makes you, YOU.

(小編：這種題目通常應該都是放在adittional essay，UC想知道學生有什麼過人之處，為何你認為自己是competitive enough？)

(以上原文轉載自UC Application website)

這次8個題目感覺的出來是用心設計過，涵蓋了各個領域的問題：學術、才能、特殊表現、活動、領導經驗...等等，再次證明UC挑選學生已逐漸偏向「五育均衡」的全才。

其實對學生來說，是好事也是壞事：好事在於學生不會因為其中一個領域弱勢而錄取無望；但壞事則是，高中生們將會越來越辛苦... 為了進這些學校而必須「五育發展」... 壓力可想而知...

現在正值11年級(高二)的學生們，你們準備好了嗎？

UC這次拋出變化球，等著你們接招了！