Occidental College

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. What’s the biggest thing you’d want me to know about you? I have the soul of a 74 year old grandmother. I used … Read more Old Soul in a Modern World

Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. According to tradition, every … Read more My Own Teacher

Write about a personal quality, experience, talent or contribution you will make to the University of California. When we were young, we were all asked what we wanted to be in the future. Some of us said a firefighter, some said an engineer or a lawyer, and the some even said school janitor. However, I … Read more Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. “At 6.00 … Read more Violence Against Women

What is most important to you/a crucial part of who you are? I feel the sweat drip down my neck and soak into the fabric of my bedazzled gown. I clench my fists and inhale deeply, closing my eyes to see the reassuring grin of my choreographer in my mind. Here I stay, tucked securely … Read more The Chance to Dance