You are on page 1of 3

Personal Insight Questions

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.

I believe creativity exudes from ones self in everything they do. For me personally, I
think that the majority of what I do is expressive of some form of art that I have seen,
learned, heard, or even experienced. I speak in a tone that is from pieces of literature
Ive read. I learn in a way that is normally different from typical teachings by
comparing course studies with something in my day to day life in order to remember
it correctly. I learn and develop ideas by using things like music and literature to
formulate new thoughts and opinions. In a literal sense, I tend to draw out thoughts
or write quotes to put into perspective my own ideas for future projects because on
my free time, I like to express myself by drawing or writing. I like to think that
creativity is formed in the realm where good content can bounce and motivate others
to further their own interpretations on another artists work. It is the way art moves,
travels, and feels that creates a ripple effect within others and I put forth everything I
have experienced in the way I carry myself. In the heated debates I have had with my
peers about not only taking both sides of the scenario into consideration, but also
realizing that there may be certain experiences that have occurred in our lives that
would make us more opposed to decisions or opinions. Creativity is present in the
work that I do like the projects that I have for school, and to the words I type now. It
motivates me to further my knowledge, to understand things more in depth and to
their full potential. Creativity makes me want to expand my horizons, and I strive for
that daily, to learn more about any topic and apply it to situations that it normally
wouldnt be put in.

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?

Academic challenges are things we all must face within our four years of attending
high school, and I believe that the way we choose to handle them is what truly
reflects our true character. The beginning of freshmen year, I was given the choice to
involve myself in the MERITS program at Westminster High School. I accepted the
challenge, not knowing the hardships of having an AP class. The shock I had when I
came to the realization that this class was going to require more work than I ever put
forth in my regular-placed classes in middle school was extraordinary. Then life
struck, and like the majority of people, I was not prepared. My mother quit her job to
peruse something better, but it fell through and we had little to nothing. Our family of
two wasnt enough and with that came the health toll. I have a history of fainting that
to this day has not been able to be diagnosed. Added stress only contributed to the
problem and by the end of the year I had the lowest grades I had ever received in my
years of studying. By summer everything eased again and at the beginning of junior
year I was willing to give the class I had the most struggle in another go. I knew a D
was not the correct representation of myself and with the two year experience, I
decided it was time to prove that I could in fact do better under different
circumstances and although not easy I did. Both semesters I ended with As. It has
taught me that through failure comes retrial and that with enough effort I could
indeed get the grade I aim for. The class itself tested my limits and surpassed them
completely and I may not have been successful the first time but I know now that I
have grown as a student. I possess new organizational and time management skills,
along with being able to differentiate my home life from my academic one.

6. Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you.

It took me the majority of my high school experience to realize that I had a real
passion for science. I have a need for understanding things which often leaves me
questioning why things do what they do or how things came to be. Math is a set of
formulas with set answers but no exact answer as to why certain numbers signify
what they are and English is very opinionated but science, science provided me with
answers. Whether it be natural science, biology, chemistry, or physics, I found I do my
best in these courses and they tend to challenge me the most. Science requires a set
of math and English skills with a new-found knowledge of how and why things work in
our day to day life. Mathematics is used to find unit measurements and to convert our
data and English is used to write up lab reports and research. Up until last year, I
hadnt thought much about how I would be taking these courses anywhere farther
than for schooling. A mandatory science fair project with no limitations allowed me to
see past the subject itself and explore what it would really be like to study courses in
the light I see fit for my interests. It takes a different section of the mind to apply
scientific methods to real life scenarios. Experimentation happens daily yet we are
oblivious to the fact of it being actual science but we test theories and ideas
constantly and I find that different from other subjects. Science is what I decided was
my passion and going into college I plan to pursue a career within the field whether it
be forensics, psychology, or biology. I have learned that I want to gain knowledge
daily and I understand that in order to do so I have to be willing to face hardships
with trial and error in order to be successful.

8. What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates applying
to the University of California?

Throughout my 4 years of high school, I think I have experienced and overcame


hardships that prove that I am resilient. I have learned that with every downfall there
is a positive note toward the failure. Whether it be a lesson learned or another detail
to the story that is my life, I find a way to make every scenario an essential part of
who I am. Every struggle or adversity I face has shaped who I am and I came to the
realization that even the failures I had still influenced part of my character. I have
become diligent from the times I had rushed assignments. I have become a time
oriented individual because of the times I stressed until a.m hours to do last minute
assignments. I am persistent because of the times I failed to express my opinion and
in turn hated the outcome of a situation. I am willing to learn because I understand
that I havent experienced everything school or even life in general has to offer, and
that is okay. I believe college is a great place to explore options and life skills and
careers possibly some hobbies and I will take advantage of the opportunities given. I
am open minded and I want to broaden my horizons, I want college itself to be the
experience and the memories I will remember for the lifetime. I expect to struggle
because things that are exceptionally great are not easily attainable. However, I never
doubt that I will not stop trying to have what I know I am capable of receiving.

You might also like