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Topic of your choice The two party system of American politics is obsolete.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

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 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

What was a difficult obstacle you encountered and how did you overcome it? / Topic of Your Choice This summer, while attending a camp designed for the best high school policy debate students in the country, I noticed that only one-fourth of the participants in this camp were female. In the three and a half … Read more How to Behave?