Pomona College’s holistic application review process emphasizes not only academic achievements but also personal qualities and aspirations. The supplemental essays play a pivotal role in this evaluation, providing applicants with an opportunity to showcase their unique perspectives, values, and aspirations. This comprehensive guide explores each Pomona supplemental essay prompt, offering insightful tips and strategies to help you craft standout responses that will impress the admissions committee.
Understanding the Pomona Supplemental Essays
Pomona College requires applicants to complete two supplemental essays. These essays are designed to supplement the information provided in the Common Application, exploring specific aspects of your character, experiences, and aspirations.
Essay 1: Describe how you engage with issues of diversity and inclusion, both on and off campus, and how your individual experiences and perspectives have shaped your views and values.
Essay 2: In a time of great change and upheaval in the world today, what are the most important values that guide your life?
Essay 1: Diversity and Inclusion
Understanding the Prompt
This essay invites you to reflect on your experiences with diversity and inclusion, both within and beyond an academic setting. The prompt encourages you to explore your personal perspectives and values, demonstrating how they have been shaped by your interactions with diverse individuals and communities.
Crafting Your Response
- Start with a compelling hook: Begin your essay with an anecdote, quote, or personal reflection that captures the significance of diversity and inclusion in your life.
- Highlight specific experiences: Share concrete examples of how you have engaged with diverse individuals, perspectives, or cultures. Reflect on what you learned from these interactions and how they have broadened your understanding of the world.
- Articulate your values: Explain the core values that guide your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Describe how these values have influenced your actions, decisions, and relationships.
- Demonstrate impact: Showcase the impact your engagement with diversity and inclusion has made on yourself, your community, or the world around you.
- Conclude with purpose: End your essay with a clear statement of purpose, explaining how your experiences and values have prepared you to contribute to Pomona’s diverse and inclusive community.
Essay 2: Guiding Values
Understanding the Prompt
This essay asks you to identify the most important values that guide your life, particularly in times of change and upheaval. The prompt encourages you to reflect on your ethical principles, beliefs, and aspirations, and how they shape your decision-making and behavior.
Crafting Your Response
- Identify your core values: Start by brainstorming the values that are most meaningful to you. These may include integrity, compassion, empathy, perseverance, or social justice.
- Describe your lived experiences: Share specific examples of how your values have influenced your actions and choices. Explain how they have helped you navigate challenges or make difficult decisions.
- Connect to current events: Discuss how global or societal changes have tested or reinforced your values. Explain how your values have guided your response to adversity or uncertainty.
- Demonstrate authenticity: Be genuine and authentic in your response. Share personal stories that illustrate your values in action.
- Conclude with intentionality: End your essay with a statement of intention, explaining how your values will continue to guide your life at Pomona and beyond.
Supplemental Essay Tips
- Be mindful of word count: Both essays have a word limit of 250 words. Be concise and specific in your responses.
- Proofread carefully: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors before submitting your essays.
- Seek feedback: Ask a trusted friend, teacher, or family member to provide feedback on your drafts.
- Use strong verbs: Replace weak verbs with more active and descriptive language.
- Show, don’t tell: Rather than simply stating your values, provide concrete examples that demonstrate how you live them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose which experiences to highlight in my essays?
A: Focus on experiences that are meaningful and have had a significant impact on your personal growth and development.
Q: What if I don’t have a lot of experience with diversity and inclusion?
A: Even if you haven’t had extensive experience, you can still demonstrate your commitment to these values by reflecting on your personal experiences, values, and aspirations.
Q: How can I make my essays stand out from the crowd?
A: Be authentic and genuine in your responses. Share personal stories that illustrate your values and experiences in a unique and memorable way.
Q: How long should I spend on each essay?
A: While there is no set time limit, aim to spend at least a few hours on each essay to ensure quality and completeness.
Q: What is the most important thing to keep in mind when writing my essays?
A: Remember that your supplemental essays are an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, values, and aspirations to the Pomona admissions committee. Be authentic, reflective, and intentional in your responses.