How to Make Yourself Shine in the UC's Personal Insight Questions

Are you passionate about science, technology, engineering, math, or medicine? This session breaks down what it takes to stand out when applying to STEM and Pre-Med programs, from choosing the right coursework and building a compelling extracurricular profile to preparing personal projects and gaining clinical or research experience. We’ll also explore the rapidly evolving landscape of technical and healthcare majors, including Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, and Pre-Med tracks, and discuss how the rise of AI is impacting admissions, skill requirements, and future career paths.

Ever considered attending university in the United Kingdom or Canada? Learn about the application process (including high school requirements), student life abroad, and more!

Supplemental essays offer a unique opportunity to present your true self and passions to colleges. In this session, you'll discover how to tackle three of the most common prompts: "Why This School?", "Why This Major?", and the Identity & Diversity question. We’ll provide strategies for college research, reflecting on your academic interests, and writing compelling stories about your contributions. By the end, you'll be ready to craft insightful, authentic, and standout essays that capture the attention of admissions committees.

There is a college out there for everyone, and by learning about what to expect in the college process, different types of post-secondary institutions, college terminology, and the elements that comprise a successful admissions application, you can find schools that align with your academic performance and extracurricular profile.

A business degree can open up a host of professional doors for a student, but how do you strengthen your profile among thousands of other applicants? Learn more about admissions expectations and processes for selective and hidden-gem undergraduate business programs, as well as the essential skills and experiences that can set you apart, from academic performance to unique enrichment opportunities that help you craft a standout application.

College may feel like a lifetime away, but many of the choices you make in 9th and 10th grade will impact your college options. Learn what colleges value in an applicant and what you can do now – and in the years to come to become the best possible candidate. We will review the Four Pillars of a successful application and how you can support all of them while still having a fulfilling high school experience.

Overwhelmed by the seemingly countless essays and applications? Unsure what to write about in your essays or how to stand out on your application? Unclear on the timelines for financial aid, scholarships, and interviews? Ensure that you are on track for one of the most important years of your life.

There are thousands of colleges and universities to choose from, many of which you have never heard of before. Discover schools around the country that offer unique approaches to academics and the college experience, broadening your college search and introducing you to new and interesting options.

Applying for financial aid isn't rocket science, but it does require a clear understanding of what forms need to be completed, what information those forms are asking for, and what colleges do with your information. Learn the difference between the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the College Profile, and what expected family contribution, demonstrated need, and cost of attendance really mean.

People often use words like “safeties,” “likelies,” “targets,” and “reaches” when discussing colleges, but what do they really mean, and how do you ensure you have enough of each on your list? Learn what factors to consider when researching colleges, how to gauge the likelihood of acceptance at various colleges, and how to be both optimistic and realistic while building your college list. You will also learn about a number of “hidden gem” colleges off the beaten path.

Join us for an engaging webinar where you'll discover innovative techniques to brainstorm effectively, refine your writing style, and create powerful narratives that captivate admissions officers. Gain insights into making your essay impactful & memorable. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your college application with expert tips and strategies!

Curious what it takes to stand out as a creative student in the college admissions process? This session will walk you through applying to programs in the performing and creative arts, including Acting, Drama, Musical Theatre, Dance, Creative Writing, Film, and Music. You’ll leave this webinar with a clearer picture of how to showcase your talents most effectively. We’ll cover how to research and select the right programs, what to expect from portfolios and auditions, common deadlines and requirements, and strategies to start preparing now.

Understand how and when to appropriately disclose a student’s learning style and the various types of support services offered at colleges. Learn which colleges and universities have the strongest services and how to find what works best for you!

DI, DII, and DIII: Athletic Recruitment is a complicated process that has far less glitz and glamor than ESPN makes it seem. This session will break down the typical recruiting process, explore timelines, and help students understand how to make their dream of playing college sports a reality.

Learn about current trends in standardized testing requirements in the ever-changing college admissions landscape. Plus, learn what role the PSAT plays and the distinctions between the digital SAT and the new ACT. We will also discuss testing timelines, which test will play to your strengths instead of your weaknesses, and when you should test (if at all).

Unsure how to spend your free time to get the most “bang for your buck” on college applications and still enjoy your high school experience? Confused by the standardized testing landscape and which test to take – or whether to test at all? Learn what colleges value in an applicant and what you can do now to become the best possible candidate by next fall.

Learn what it takes to become a doctor, the myriad of options for pre-med programs, how to have a fulfilling college experience as a pre-med student, other pre-professional health care programs, and the questions to ask yourself before applying to medical school.