<p>OK, so this is for the Iowa State honors program. I have one paragraph so far, after staring at the screen for like 2 hours. This.... this just can't be</p>
<p>During your lifetime, interplanetary travel will become a reality. As resources on planet Earth rapidly dwindle, it is reasonable to expect that the space-faring nations of Earth will join forces to prospect the resources of the Solar System. Assume that due to excellent recommendations from the Iowa State University Honors Program you have been chosen to participate on an interplanetary mission of five years duration. Your spacecraft is equipped with life-support systems that replicate conditions on Earth and an information system that provide ready access to all of humankind's accumulated literary output.</p>
<p>To allow for your comfort you are permitted to take three personal items: (1) a non-religious book, (bear in mind that all of humankind's religious texts are accessible through the spacecraft's information system); (2) a technological device; and (3) one personal item. Describe the item you would take under each category and explain (a) why these are significant to you, and (b) how they will each help you endure and flourish during your five-year journey.</p>
<p>OK maybe they are trying to give you an obscure prompt to see that you might be able to put a positive spin on it, but I'm just angry that I have to write this.</p>
<p>The prompt is a test of your imagination, creativity, practical savvy, and possibly, humor (as well as writing skills). Think of it as an opportunity for self-expression. You can show your uniqueness and individuality whether your talents are more prosaic or technical.</p>
<p>Really all they are asking is an updated version of the old ‘stranded on a deserted island’ question. If you were stranded somewhere for 5 years what book, technological device, personal item would you take. Don’t be distracted by all the outer space stuff.</p>
<p>Hahaha I think it’s a great prompt! How fun! Think of all the possibilities for adding humor and creativity! :)</p>
<p>Sorry, not trying to be obnoxious, it’s just that I’ve seen much worse (and definitely more boring) prompts. Try to have fun! Pick one serious item, one funny item, and then something really surprising!</p>
<ol>
<li><p>A rare first edition of X. If I have access to all literary output I might as well keep something that has value. </p></li>
<li><p>A portable device to have store my personal photos, mementos and documents along with ability to play/display unlimited music film and literary works as well as a personal video/audio communications device. </p></li>
<li><p>A rechargeable vibrator. I see Wall-E as a cautionary tale. I’m getting mine. A less risky response would be a portable air conditioner with a circulating fan. I’m rarely happy with the temperature or the circulation of air now, why would I think I’d be happy with it in space? </p></li>
</ol>
<p>But, I agree with the O.P. If that’s the best they can come up with, why would he or she want to go there?</p>
<p>The other way to go with this is simply to write that what you want from a college is to challenge you to greatness, not to ask some 'done to death, pathetic version of the old ‘what you would you bring if you were stuck on a desert island question.’ So, I used my efforts instead to write another question you may ask future students so they will be more inspired and inspire the school as well. That question is … </p>
<p>The last can be quite chancy but screw them if they don’t have a clue.</p>
<p>I agree, with this – why would you want to go there. They could have asked – what book is most important to you, etc. Are they trying to increase applications by Star Trek fans? Trying to increase applications by males?</p>
<p>I agree- this is a really challenging (bad?) prompt. Its so obscure and hypothetical that legitimate responses are hard to come by, but yet so cliche that its just not interesting.</p>
<p>Personally, I think this is a really interesting prompt - and yes, a nice update on the traditional desert island one. What would you have preferred to write about?</p>
<p>This is the kind of prompt that is, in my opinion, easy to write about. Why? Because there are no restrictions! You could be practical, you could be satirical, it’s all up to you.</p>
<p>Seriously, you must have no imagination if you can’t think of a good way to make it interesting. They’re basically giving you full reign to be funny, simple, whatever.</p>
How fun! Think of all the possibilities for adding humor and creativity! :)</p>