One of the common app schools I’m applying to asks for an essay dealing with diversity.
The prompt is “Describe an experience with discrimination, whether it was fighting against discrimination or recognizing your contribution to discriminating against a person or group. What did you learn from the experience? In what ways will you bring those lessons to the University of ____”.
I’m a black female who has grown up in the mostly-white suburbs my entire life, so I do have a couple examples of being discriminated against. However, it’s hard to write about because there’s no way for me to flip racism into a positive experience and I don’t want to sound bitter. And also with all of the political turmoil going on in the US right now, I feel as though there’s so much I should avoid writing about. Any suggestions on how to go about this?
I’m not sure how to advise you but wanted to say that if that’s the entire prompt, it’s a terrible prompt! It assumes you are either fighting or contributing to discrimination and leaves out that you might be experiencing it. I’d be inclined to skip the university. But you could write about how perhaps you’ve so far been relatively quiet and are looking forward to an academic home where you can find and refine your voice. And that aren’t yet sure what your voice is – not bitter but still seeking affirmation for your experiences that have been negative and determining what’s next in your world outlook.
I agree it’s a bad prompt and would concern me about the university. That said, there is wisdom in your concern and in your second paragraph. Many times on here, the advice is to take prompts loosely as a launch point. I would argue your response is one method of fighting. We can’t game out your essay here but perhaps don’t limit fighting to participation in a rally, etc.
I also thought it was a pretty weird prompt. And yes, I copy and pasted it directly from the application. Thank you for the input! I at least know where to start now.
Yikes! That is the worst prompt I have ever seen. But you have to answer it I guess.
Me personally, I think I would skirt the issue and probably discuss my discriminating taste in food groups. I am very biased against junk food. Seriously, I would write that.
ETA: I also would not apply to this university. The mere fact that they are using this prompt makes me question if it’s the kind of school I would want to attend. I hope you find a good way to tackle this though.
That university does offer a different option in writing topics. You might want to consider the other one. It’s a lot less politically charged.
Thank you so much for pointing that out! I hadn’t looked at the prompt on the admissions website yet-- my guidance counselor copy and pasted that prompt and sent it in an email to me.
It’s not flipping a bad experience into roses and ponies. More how you reacted, processed, the perspective you gained, how it developed a resolve to personally overcome or join the efforts to improve some situation. Show, not just tell.
I swear, many prompts strike me as trick questions. How you interpret and turn your writing to your advantage is what can score.
It’s reminiscent of the old challenge prompt. Done well, you get to shine a good light on yourself. Humbly, with awareness, and other attributes.
Edited typos
is this the u of o prompt