“At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future?”
“The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values, and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?”
“Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.” – UC prompt
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?” – UC Prompt
Can you write meaningful answers to questions like these? If so, you are to be commended, but for many these prompts leave them with little or nothing to say. Is it their fault? Their parent’s fault? The colleges’ faults for asking too much? I don’t have an answer. I do, however, have a solution.