<p>I just hate that prompt. It’s annoying, and it encourages the writer to give a list of three things. Boring!</p>
<p>Boring people will list 3 things and then will be eliminated from consideration . The type of people whom the college wants will take a more creative approach. That’s why it’s an excellent prompt.</p>
<p>I think it’s amazing.</p>
<p>I live in ames.</p>
<p>and yea, you might rant about how I don’t have imagination. Just sit down and write it. It’ll sound stupid… unless it’s completely satirical, in which case you would just be making fun of them.</p>
<p>Quite honestly, this is like those essay prompts that are a part of state standardized tests. Like, I remember in seventh grade the time old essay prompt : “Your house is on fire. If you could take any three items, which would they be and why?” Seriously, this essay prompt for the honors program is essentially like this, except a tiny bit more sophisticated…</p>
<p>Harold and the Purple Crayon, a tamagachi, and of course, a towel.</p>
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<p>Yes. People who can handle the prompt will be better fits for the program.</p>
<p>I think I’m seeing a pattern on this thread: parents like the prompt and students don’t. </p>
<p>I’m a parent and like it. I think it’s incredibly easy because there are no wrong answers. </p>
<p>Please post whether you fit the pattern I described.</p>
<p>Finnegan’s Wake, a panini maker – and a puppy.</p>
<p>DougBetsy: I’m a student and I love the prompt.</p>
<p>I’m a parent and think it’s stupid.</p>
<p>DougBetsy: …And I’m another student and likewise love the prompt 
… so much for your pattern? :)</p>
<p>The point about getting past this and embracing this topic is a good one. As the only way for your essay to stand out is to think outside of the box. You can do this with humor or just avoid common answers. </p>
<p>Select a book: The Jungle Book LP record. Why would I waste a selection on a book when they are all available to me? The Jungle Book album cover makes me smile so it will be great to have in my living area. Plus it will be a great conversation starter. People will say 'hey, what’s with the ‘old school’ analog? Or now that you have it how do you intend to play it? And I’ll just say “It’s a great conversation starter.” And they will say “what makes you think that?” And I’ll say, “because we’re having a conversation about it.”</p>
<p>Select a technology thingy: A wiffle ball. Because when I’m traveling somewhere I throw in a wiffle ball and I’m never disappointed. It’s easy to transport, light, harmless, lasts and lasts and is fun to throw around with others. It will also be a blast to watch and play with under low gravity situations. </p>
<p>A personal item: Actually the puppy idea is pretty good. Sure it stretches the definition of an item but this whole essay needs to be stretched.</p>
<p>I love this prompt, it makes you not only think about 3 things to have but also how you would use them. Plus i think if the world is flying into space that the world would have some piece of technology that you can make up. This could be really fun.
btw im a student</p>
<p>I’d take something like “Space-Survival for Dummies”, some candy and Tetris.</p>
<p>I love this prompt. (I’m a student) </p>
<p>Think of all the things you could say. Plus, it’s kind of silly, which makes me feel good things about a school.</p>
<p>Book: the sound and the fury, because I love it and would spend a good part of those 5 years dissecting it and writing all over it.
Technology: calculator watch because it’s 80’s nerdtastic.
Personal Item: music/music player so I can dance with the aliens. or a sketchbook and pencils, either one. (the views would be incredible!)</p>
<p>It feels overly dramatic to me, and fluffed up with unnecessary details, like they are trying to spruce it up and get you all psyched when the same question could be stated just as effectively in half the amount of words. Also, I feel like they are trying to make your application feel utterly epic by giving you this extreme yet extremely honorable situation, when really all you are doing is applying to Iowa State Honors.</p>
<p>Yeah, responses will allow students to show what they want to show, and the question tests creativity as well as other qualifying traits, but the voice behind the question feels as if it is trying too hard. The fact that having graduated from Iowa State Honors is treated as this huge distinction in the hypothetical situation especially gives me the trying-too-hard impression… come on, UChicago doesn’t even do that in their questions.</p>
<p>(I’m a student. I like the freedom that it gives me and feel confident that I could respond with a solid essay that I somewhat enjoyed writing, but I’m just not drawn to the attitude behind the question.)</p>
<p>" a seven year old has imagination."</p>
<p>Sadly the imagination which exists during childhood doesn’t usually carry on to academic pursuits.
The prompt is trying emulate the creativity which U of C uses in their essays; try and be creative, open your mind and have fun with this prompt.</p>
<p>^ Emphasis on “trying.”</p>
<p>Just motivate yourself by aiming to outdo whoever wrote this question. You’re a far more sophisticated thinker… show that. That’s how I would discipline myself into writing this essay. (But of course, don’t let that energy give a snide edge to your diction and/or content.)</p>
<p>I’m a parent and love the prompt. Clearly they’re going for an imaginative response. I wouldn’t go totally awol over it, but have some fun! Beats Stanford’s “what would you want your roommate to know about you…”</p>