Application deadlines are swiftly approaching, but with a little help from some of our recent alumnae, you can make sure your UC applications are ready to submit! No matter your grade, it’s always a good idea to start brainstorming how to make your college applications shine.
Adriana Arroyo ‘23, a current UCLA student, shares some insightful tips on how to make your essays true to you. She says, “Stay simple and get to your point. Imagine all the applications these colleges get. Put your best foot forward in the most concise way. Don’t write what you think they want to hear. I literally wrote an essay about Reese Loya ’22 throwing me in the air at a spirit rally. It’s all about how your experiences shaped you. Writer’s block is so normal. What helped me was setting a timer, finishing my essays pretty quickly, and then revising! Don’t take forever on something that honestly shouldn’t.”
Annabella Barreto ‘23, is a part of the UCSD soccer team. Her tips are, “Just be honest with yourself when writing them. They care more about authenticity than one specific answer. I would also say to make the most out of the college visits or when you’re searching for which UC is right for you. There are so many opportunities at each school that make it unique to itself, and it’s super important that you find the best one that resembles you. Also, apply for as many scholarships/loans as possible because TONS are available for students.”
Tory Busch ‘23 is currently a student at UC Berkeley, and she shares: “For the UC PIQs, I was told to think of them as interview questions rather than essays, and that sentiment really helped me voice my ideas in a more compelling way. Also, don’t be afraid to write about all the unique experiences you have acquired here at Rosary (such as Red and Gold and Rosary Day). I know that I wrote about my experiences as a publicity captain in one of my PIQs. To meet your word count, active voice will be your best friend, and trust me, learning how to edit your work down will be really helpful in college. I guess I wish I knew that Berkeley released their decisions last so I could’ve prepared myself for the wait. Also, I obviously wish I knew that Berkeley is the best UC—GO BEARS—and that everyone should go there.”
Those are some awesome tips, and they must’ve worked because these alumnae are now shining bright at their respective UCs. Applying for college can be stressful , but staying true to yourself on your applications is the ultimate key to success!