<p>"What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities and what you have gained from your involvement."</p>
<p>As a student with not many ECs, I was hoping I could strengthen my application through the essay. But it seems the essay is mostly about ECs anyway. And even if you had a lot, what's the point of repeating them all in the essay when there's a separate section for them?</p>
<p>Rather than focusing on how you think the essay is unfair, start thinking about what you want to say. I don’t know what your intended major is, but I’m assuming that your interest in it was brought about by something. Maybe classes you took, friends or family in the field, hobbies, clubs, internet research, or whatever. You didn’t pick a major out of a hat. Write about what got you interested in it, and why it is a good fit for you. If you have no ECs in the area, then I guess that won’t be your focus now will it? Instead of thinking it’s unfair, maybe think about why you have never bothered to gain any experience utilizing ECs or employment in any type of related fields.</p>
<p>If you’re a political science major, you could write about how unfair you think the essay prompt is, and how you want to change UC acceptance policy to reflect this unfairness!</p>
<p>Think of the essay as a date. The reader (supposedly) wants to feel like they really understand and connect with the applicant, as if they know you and would be happy to welcome you to the university. In truth, they probably give it a quick reading, because they really don’t give 2 craps about you. They just want to know that you can write a page about your interests, which shouldn’t be too hard, if you are truly interested.</p>