I have a question about two of the prompts for this year’s insight question (UC application form).
4- Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
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?
Can someone please explain the difference between an educational barrier and a challenge with an impact on academic achievement? I can think of many personal challenges that are also educational barriers (i.e. money, someone who needs to work 8 hours. to pay for college). So, if a prompt can fit both sections, which one should be selected?
@smsk#4 This is more directed as an “educational advantage or opportunity that you have taken” to help or positively effect you academically . #5 This prompt is asking about a “personal challenge” that you have faced and asking how this affected, (could be positive or negative), you academically. I say, go for the positive in both effected and affected. Wishing you the best!
@smsk I have an additional thought. #5 If you have had a negative experience that affected you academically, you could honestly describe what happened to you and what you learned because of that experience. You could also describe what you will do differently to achieve your goals.
Thanks for your reply, @1Tiger21 !
So, #4 is more focused on a “success story” approach, and #5 is about learning from past experiences. Thanks for elaborating on each point!