Moonshot Application Process
Welcome to the Moonshot application. This is your chance to pause, reflect, and articulate your vision as a designer. We want to understand who you are, what drives you, and how you plan to change the world. Take your time with these questions, we have left them optional so that you can decide which ones you wish to spend time on for the application. Please note: Chat GPT responses will result in an automatic application disqualification.
A full overview of the program and what to expect:
1. Personal Information
Full Name
*
First Name
Last Name
Best email to contact you:
*
Confirmation Email
For application status, event updates, and more.
School
*
Guest Pass Code
If you’re from a school other than UC Berkeley or UCSC, the only way to join the program is with a guest pass from an accepted participant.
Graduation Year
*
Please Select
2023 or under
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
Current Graduate
Linkedin
*
If not applicable put "N/A"
ADPList Profile
Boost your acceptance chances by 25% with an ADPList account.
How did you hear about us?
2. Who Are You as a Designer?
This section is about understanding your journey, your motivations, and your unique perspective on design.
What Drives You as a Designer?
Reflect on your journey so far. What is it about design that lights a fire in you? How do you approach your work, and what aspects of design fuel your passion? (In 150 words or less)
Describe a Defining Moment in Your Design Career:
Think about a project or experience that was a turning point for you. What did you learn, and how did it shape the designer you are today? (In 200 words or less)
What Challenges Have You Overcome on Your Path?
We all face obstacles, but it’s how we overcome them that defines us. Share a challenge you’ve faced in your design journey and how you overcame it. What did you learn from the experience? (In 200 words or less)
3. Why Moonshot?
We want to know why you’ve chosen to apply to Moonshot and what you expect to gain from this experience.
What Do You Hope to Achieve Through Moonshot?
Imagine yourself at the end of this journey. What will success look like for you? How will Moonshot help you get there? (In 200 words or less)
What Are You Most Excited About in Moonshot?
There’s a lot to look forward to—mentorship, collaboration, innovation. What aspect of Moonshot speaks to you the most, and why? (In 150 words or less)
How Will You Use What You Learn to Make an Impact?
After Moonshot, how do you plan to apply the skills, knowledge, and connections you’ve gained? How will you use them to make a difference in the world? (In 150 words or less)
4. Your Current Challenges and Needs
This is your chance to be candid about where you are and what support you need to reach the next level.
What Is the Biggest Challenge You’re Facing Right Now in Your Work?
Every designer has their hurdles. What’s yours? Whether it’s technical, conceptual, or something else, tell us what’s standing in your way. (In 200 words or less)
What Resources or Support Would Help You Overcome This Challenge?
If you could have any tool, guidance, or resource to help you overcome your current challenge, what would it be? How do you think it would help? (In 150 words or less)
5. Vision for the Future
Let’s look ahead. We want to understand your aspirations and how you see design shaping your future.
Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
Close your eyes and picture the future. Where are you? What are you working on? How did you get there? (In 200 words or less)
How Do You Intend to Integrate Social Impact into Your Design Career?
Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making a difference. How do you plan to use your design skills to create positive change in the world? (In 150 words or less)
6. Choose Your Realm
Time to pick your realm! Each one focuses on a big societal issue where design and innovation can make a real difference. No pressure—you can always switch later if you change your mind.
Where do you see yourself?
*
Apex (Health)
Berus (Education)
Nova (Environment)
Saber (Technology)
7. Final Thoughts
This is your space to share anything else that you believe is important for us to know. Be authentic, be yourself.
Is There Anything Else You’d Like Us to Know?
(Optional, open-text)
8. Referral Program (Optional)
Increase your chances of being selected by 25% for referring a fellow top-tier designer. Note: (Must be from UC Berkeley or UCSC to be eligible to apply).
Have You Referred a Friend to Apply for Moonshot?
(If yes, please provide their full name so we can match your referrals.)
Were You Referred by Someone?
(If yes, please share the full name of the person who referred you.)
Next Steps
Thank you for taking the time and effort to complete this application. We deeply appreciate your commitment and enthusiasm—it means a lot to us. If selected, you’ll receive an acceptance email with details and an invitation to join our exclusive Discord community, where the Moonshot program takes place. We’re excited about the possibility of working together and embarking on this journey with you.
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