Saturday, August 16, 5 PM
By the end, participants will
- Understand UC admissions basics (test-free policy, holistic review, a–g requirements, UC GPA).
- Know every application component and how to complete it well.
- Draft a PIQ strategy (which 4 prompts, what stories, no repetition).
- Build an Activities & Awards list that shows impact.
- Leave with a timeline + checklist to submit a polished app on time.
agenda
UC Admissions 101
- a–g requirements, UC GPA, test-free policy, holistic review (what it really means).
Application Walkthrough
- Sections: About You, Campuses/Majors, Academic History (self-report), Activities & Awards, PIQs, Scholarships, Additional Comments (optional).
PIQs: Strategy + Writing
- Picking your 4 prompts to cover range + depth.
- Use CAR (Challenge–Action–Result) with numbers and reflection.
- Avoid repetition; each PIQ should add new value.
- Mini-exercise: outline 2 PIQs in 5 bullets each.
Activities & Awards that Pop
- Quality > quantity; leadership, initiative, sustained impact.
- How to write a 300–350-character description that shows scale, role, result.
- Mini-exercise: rewrite 2 activities with metrics.
Choosing Campuses & Majors
- Impacted majors, alternate majors, fit signals in PIQs and activities.
Timeline, Deadlines, and Submitting
- Proofreading, self-reporting grades exactly as on transcript, fee waivers, post-submit updates.
