I’m getting ready to write my essays for the UC’s, but I’m not sure about prompt #6 (Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom). I really love chemistry, but I read a post warning people not to write about subjects you aren’t “amazing” in. This probably sounds really weird, but will I look like a poser if I’m like, “wow chem is amazing! wow wow wow!” if I didn’t get a perfect score on the exam? Also, all of my science fairs were in biology (to be fair this was before I started enjoying chemistry). Although I definitely still have time to get more involved. The only things so far are a school award and Science Olympiad… in which i didnt place lol. don’t hate me ahh
I think there’s a huge difference between a love for a topic and the pretense that you know all there is to know about it.
You’re overthinking this. It didn’t ask which subject you’ve gotten a perfect score on, it asked which topic inspires you. It sounds like it’s Chemistry.
Oh, and be wary about what you “read in posts.” Many, MANY, are written by kids your own age with exactly the same experience in this process as you.
Try to focus your essay less on the academic part, and more on the knowledge, research, and discovery it inspires you to learn about. Honestly, you’ll look more like a “poser” if you write about biology (rather than chemistry), a subject where your voice won’t be able to show. I’m in the same boat as you - I’ve noticed that a lot of the personal statement drafts I’ve written are total garbage if they aren’t about something I’m really passionate about. Any school (including UCs) aren’t looking for a perfect ace student; they’re looking for someone who’s ready to challenge themselves and explore unanswered questions in their area of academic interest. Good luck!