<p>Many of the essays in successful essay example books are sort of off-the-wall (writing about themselves in third person, writing about their experiences in the bathroom, writing it in the form of a play etc.). I understand that if one executes it well, this strategy should work for the selective private universities.</p>
<p>However, do the UCs also want these sort of unconventional approaches?Should essays for the UCs be more traditional in style and format? I'm applying to Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD. I'm in-state and I have a pretty solid chance for Berkeley based on academics.</p>