<p>How does the "fill the box with something you find interesting" "essay" work? Is it ok if you just fill it with something you think is cool and give a caption, or should you write an essay on it?</p>
<p>Past students, any ideas?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>You may do whatever you want. Sometimes, what you put in the box is self-explanatory. Or it might need an explanation -- which you can make as long or short as you want. The point is to tell us something about yourself by showing us something you think is cool -- and you are given considerable freedom in how you do this.</p>
<p>i wanted to write an essay in there too</p>
<p>Writing an essay is fine :-) I did.</p>
<p>I know it's policy to not read the applications of posters you've been in contact with, but you so at least have to look at my box. :)</p>
<p>Question about what caltech is expecting...</p>
<p>Is the box allowed to be playfully humorous? or must it be something creative that tells something about you? I have an idea for something that's funny and a little nerdy, but not really something I think is "cool" or that says much about me (other than I'm a java geek). It's pretty much just a creative joke that I think techie-type people would like. Should I try and find something that's more "me?"</p>
<p>-Oren</p>
<p>The box is allowed to be whatever you want. I know that my friends on the admissions committee appreciate a good sense of humor, but I don't know what they've been told to look for in the 3rd box. </p>
<p>I'd say go for it.</p>
<p>Czar:</p>
<p>Last year, a number of current students used the same idea you're describing; light-hearted, funny, and slightly nerdy content within the box. </p>
<p>I think it's definitely a good idea.</p>
<p>Yes, funny and lighthearted is good. I have nothing to add to ninja and GracieLegend's good answers.</p>
<p>Awesome!</p>
<p>Thanks, guys
-Oren</p>
<p>yea i added a illustrated diagram with descriptions of a wooden machine i built for a science competition. :]</p>
<p>You could put a .jpg file *AND an explanation?! O<em>O Oh........oh dear. Well then. -</em>- so much for that, too late now. x_x</p>
<p>ohh no I realized when I uploaded my .jpg file that all the text boxes I made were kind of distorted and hard to read. So I just made the #3 essay box on a paper with the same size and put everything inside there :)</p>
<p>and sent it by mail :P</p>
<p>I made an absurdist comic.</p>
<p>:D</p>
<p>if we put, say an original painting or something that we had done, into the "put something interesting here box", would it be possible to get the picture back after the admission process was over?</p>
<p>No, unfortunately not. We can't return materials. Sorry : (</p>
<p>uh...so would it be best to uh...take a picture of the picture and put that in the box?</p>
<p>Yes. That would probably be best.</p>
<p>OK, I now have two box essays. One is enthusiastic enough and cool, but not especially creative or original. The other is something that is pretty cool and pretty original. Problem: I'm not sure it's appropriate.</p>
<p>Mr. Golub, could I PM you the idea behind the 2nd one to determine whether or not it's appropriate?</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>sran.</p>
<p>P.S. Happy Holidays all!</p>