UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions Executive Director Robert Penman went viral this fall on various UC Davis social media channels. He now returns to screens in a new University of California project designed to provide prospective students, parents and college advisors with clear insight into the UC application.

In addition to the YouTube feature, the UC resources include articles and videos such as “What’s the most important part of the UC application? Our admissions experts weigh in.”, “Shaping your personal narrative: PIQ tips and more from UC admissions experts” and "Working on your UC application? Find resources and inspiration here”. 

Penman served as the only campus-based executive director on UC’s three-person expert panel. The UC admissions professionals answer common questions, address misconceptions and offer straightforward advice grounded in UC’s holistic review practices, in each piece. 

Penman appears throughout the series and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the application. He encourages students to focus on their own experiences rather than what they think he wants to hear.

“There is a lot of really great — and equally bad — advice about applying to college available on social media, and it’s time that UC steps in to set the record straight,” Penman said. “Our commitment at UC is simple. Students deserve trustworthy, clear and free application guidance. I’m proud to play a part in any project that helps to deliver just that.”

Watch Penman bust some application myths in the video above.