Example Sentence Starters for UC PIQs:

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.

When I was __, my __ had a problem where __. I helped solve the problem by __. Through this, I learned __ and I became more __.


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.

When I was __ I learned how to __. It was __ for me because __. Now when I __, it helps me __ and teaches me __. I want to keep __, because __.


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

I am really proud of my __. I learned to __ when I was __. Over time I have gotten to __ at __. It’s important to me because __. It has taught me that I am __.


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

In __ grade, I had trouble with __. It was hard for me because __. In order to get through it, I __. That taught me __ because __.


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?

When I was __, I had a really hard time getting through __. It was __ because __. I felt __. Eventually I decided to __. After __, things got better because __. This taught me __.



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

I like __. I enjoy it so much that in __ grade I decided to join __. In this/these organization(s) I learned __. This is important to me because __.


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

At my __, I noticed a problem with __. This was important because __. To help with it, I __. When I did that, I learned __. My efforts helped __ because __.