Pomona College

Topic of your choice The two party system of American politics is obsolete. Politicians need to recognize the futility of polarization and instead realize that it is moderation and increased openmindedness that better serves the interests of the public. Instead of only trying to prove the other side wrong, politicians should be more accepting of … Read more The Audacity of Openmindedness

Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force. Tell us about an external influence (a person, an event, etc.) that affected you and how it caused you to change direction. The day: December 27th, 2007. The … Read more Where Was I?

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

Talk about the meaning of any photograph. As I watched my first black and white print slowly emerge from nothingness, the methodical ticking of the timer behind me, I smiled as a wave of excitement passed through me. Without thinking, I began to dance to the rhythm of the clock. From the moment I developed … Read more Nikki in the Bubble

Open-ended My father has always told me that education can break down many barriers, whether they are class, racial, or religious. For this reason my father has made it a priority for me and my sister to attend well established private schools. This education has come at a heavy price to my father. As a … Read more From Humble Beginnings

A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. Recently, my family unearthed a home video on … Read more Thinking Globally

Open Essay Question When I was a little kid I used to carry around notebooks which I filled with hundreds of stories ranging in length from a single, whimsical sentence to pages and pages of fantasy. Every hour of the day, there were countless images and ideas running through my head. I remember writing down … Read more Rebuilding the Bubble

Describe a book, play, composition, poem, scientific discovery, technical achievement, myth, historic event or work of art that has inspired and intrigued you. You can assume we are familiar with the plot and details; instead, tell us what it means for you personally. A single pair of legs, kicking up from the ocean. Kicking up … Read more The Fall of Icarus and the Rise of Spirit

Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors helped you to grow? I didn’t understand what street lights were until I was about eight. Still, some of my earliest memories are of street lamps. Growing up, I clearly remember seeing blurry beacons of light … Read more Street Lights

Describe a location that has shaped you. My legs are dotted with faded scars left behind by mosquito bites. Sitting in a stuffy classroom in early September, I look down at them nostalgically. In June, my feelings towards mosquito bites were less cordial. I had just begun a 45-day backpacking trip in the Brooks Mountain … Read more Bug Bites