<p>Hello, all, I'm in the middle of writing the second supplemental essay option for Pomona - the fun one. (prompt is: Although it may appear to the contrary, we do know that people have a life beyond what they do to get into college. Tell us about an experience you’ve had outside of your formal classroom and extracurricular activities that was just plain fun.)</p>
<p>I was wondering if this essay should have a "what I learned" aspect to it, like many other colleges' essays... I'm really hoping that it doesn't - I'm enjoying just describing an experience right now and I feel that I'd ruin it somehow by relating it to a "big idea" or something of the like. Do you think that it'll hurt my chances if I don't include a paragraph or so about how this experience has helped me achieve/realize anything? Thanks!</p>
<p>I'm definitely not an expert, and I'm not applying to Pomona, so take this as you will. I think that no, you don't have to include a 'what I learned' paragraph. The prompt itself seems to point simply to an experience that was "just plain fun" for you. IMO, one of the major goals of this whole process (i.e. applying to college) is showing the adcoms how well-rounded you are.</p>
<p>My thought is, if you can find a way to tie it in to a 'bigger picture,' have at it. But if not, don't lose sleep over it. Better to write what comes naturally (which it sounds like you've already been doing) than to try and force a message into it; it won't be as sincere.</p>
<p>I think that perhaps NOT tying in the "what I learned" aspect would be more original, because it is likely that a large number of people think about the same question you have presented, decide to err on the side of caution, and incorporate morals/education/life goals/whatnot into their "fun" essays. From every other portion of your application, Pomona can deduce whether or not you are an intelligent person. Give them a chance to see who and what you are with no ties to your education. I'm not saying that the essay needs to be completely goofy and dumb, but try not to focus on the "bigger picture" as you're writing it. Write about something that you honestly think it is fun and don't worry about not having that paragraph in it.</p>