<p>I'm doing the one that comes with their app:
The quality of Rice's academic, cultural, and social life is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What perspective do you feel that you will contribute to life at Rice?</p>
<p>I have a few life experiences I find worth mentioning, but talking about the time I spent helping run my father's business when he fell doesn't tell them how I would be able to contribute there.</p>
<p>The "contribute" clause is the tricky part... I could talk about what running my father's business taught me about business, but I don't think the University wants to hear about what knowledge I would bring to the university... it might even seem arrogant to talk about my business experience and how it would "contribute" when in fact my short period of time in the business world can hardly contribute to the atmosphere when compared to professors.</p>
<p>In other words... what can one possibly "contribute" to Rice. The cultural tradition part wouldn't be too hard, but considering that my family is devoid of anything close to a cultural tradition, I have to talk about life experiences.</p>
<p>im glad you're thinking about it though....but you can't write something you think rice will like. you have to be yourself. Think of something unique that you feel that you will be able give to the school. it doesnt matter if it's corny, etc, etc...just write.</p>
<p>I want it done my Monday so my English teacher can review it and get it back in time for me to edit it some more... she doesn't mind as she admits she lives for editing papers, but I pretty much have until Monday morning to finish my first draft</p>
<p>I decided that debate gave me the best avenue for what perspective I would contribute to Rice, but I feel bad spending the entire essay JUST talking about debate when it clearly says "life experienceS" (plural).</p>
<p>Though technically debate was certainly a series of experiences, I don't know if I want to spend the entire essay explaining how JUST debate has given something unique, or if that's what they're even looking for.</p>