With fall fast approaching, college applications are a big point of interest for our senior population. Luckily, there are many resources at the disposal of seniors across campus, and there’s still plenty of time to get applications in.
For our seniors applying to the University of California (UC) system, applications have been open since August 1. Typically, the window for applications for the UC system is from August 1 to November 30, however this year the window has been extended to December 2. The window to submit applications open from October 1 to December 2. For UC applications, it is very important to look over the list of Personal Interest Questions.
Personal Interest Questions are a series of essay prompts that the admissions offices of the UC campuses use to better understand who you are as a person. There are eight Personal Interest Questions available, but only four are required for the application itself. While the Personal Interest Questions may seem simple enough, it is important to give yourself enough time to be able to write them to the best of your ability.
“I didn’t start writing my college essays until mid-November,” says Kaylee Moreno.
Moreno graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt in 2024 and now attends the University of California, Irvine. Moreno went on to talk about the process she went through when writing her Personal Interest Questions.
“I was overwriting my applications…,” says Moreno. “I was trying too hard when all college wants to see is the type of person I am when no one was around. To do this I had to redo my essays around two times and constantly asked for feedback.”
Carrie Smith is an English teacher here at ERHS, teaching from the sophomore level to AP Literature. She shared her thoughts and recommendations as a teacher who has helped students revise their essays.
“It’s focusing, for them [the students] on what their story is and not the stories around them,” says Smith.
“A lot of times students like to focus on… their parents, or their family or their friendships… but they really need to look inside of themselves and decide what makes them, them, and what their story is.”
The list of Personal Interest Questions and tips for how to respond to them can be accessed here. Additionally, letters of recommendation are not required or even reviewed during the application process, but it is possible that a university may request one during a supplemental review, so be sure to monitor your email for requests.
For our California State University (CSU) system applicants, the process is slightly different for applications. Applications for the Fall 2025 term do not open until October 1 and will stay open until December 2. For the CSU applications, there are no Personal Interest Questions or essays required. The applications are judged largely by the academic information that is in the application. Also, letters of recommendation are not required for the application.
Another resource worth looking into is the Common App site. The common app is a platform that is used by many universities to prepare and submit college applications. The site offers support on the college search process, applications, and financial aid front. For most students, Common App is useful for applying to private and out-of-state universities.
For some universities, letters of recommendation will be a necessary or important part of the admissions process. Smith offered her personal advice on how to request a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
“I think it’s good to come and physically talk to your teacher, especially if you haven’t had them for a couple of years. Let them know what your plans are and what schools you’re applying for, and give them a timeline… it’s nice to give them a couple of weeks to get it done. Don’t wait until the last minute.”
One of the last resources worth mentioning is the official newsletter for the seniors and their families. The counselors at Eleanor Roosevelt have prepared a Senior Smore filled with information about the transition from high school to what comes next. The newsletter has in-depth tutorials on how to begin your applications, resources for creating a brag sheet, opportunities for grants and programs, and so much more. Included in the Smore is a copy of the brag sheet that you can fill out with your accomplishments and give to teachers and counselors that you would like to get a letter of recommendation from.
ERHS has other resources, in the form of the counselor staff and the career center that are available to help with all college inquiries and issues.
