<p>Starting always the hardest part! I would start by brainstorming for your UC essays. Think about significant events in your life, memorable occasions, and things you love doing. @NCBoy 1, unfortunately with UC, you can’t actually start working on the application until November 1st (somebody else correct me if that’s wrong). Though you could start brainstorming and writing out your ECs in a resume as suggested…</p>
<p>I think baking could be a great topic, with enough work and effort.</p>
<p>I would recommend against starting a new EC this year - it would show superficiality - but continuing with old ones is always a plus. Also, don’t worry too much about ECs for UCs and CSUs. All these CC people are soooo amazing, but ECs matter most at Ivies and other top schools, where the schools have enough applicants that they can pick based on ECs and such things. You haven’t wasted your high school career 
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<p>Good luck with everything, and remember that a lot of people have not started yet, but CC is full of Type As and worrywarts like myself</p>
<p>UC Topics:</p>
<pre><code>Prompt #1 (freshman applicants)
Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
Prompt #2 (all applicants)
Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?
</code></pre>