Complete PIQ first drafts

Overview

By early August, you should have first drafts of all 4 UC Personal Insight Questions. Here's how to polish them!

First Draft Goals

• Complete (not perfect!)
• Addresses the prompt directly
• Includes specific, concrete details
• Shows reflection and growth
• Written in your authentic voice

Self-Editing Checklist

For each PIQ, ask:

• ✅ Does it answer the prompt directly?
• ✅ Is it specific (names, numbers, details) rather than vague?
• ✅ Does it reveal something about who I am?
• ✅ Is there reflection — what did I learn?
• ✅ Is it different from my other 3 PIQs?
• ✅ Is it under 350 words?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too general or vague
• Simply describing activities without reflection
• Repeating information from elsewhere in application
• Exceeding word limit (essays cut off at 350!)
• Writing what you think they want to hear

Next Steps

1. Take a day off after drafting
2. Self-edit using checklist above
3. Share with readers for feedback
4. Aim for polished drafts by early September