<p>The essay question on the Claremont McKenna College Supplement goes as the following:</p>
<p>Analytical Essay (250-400 words) Leadership is a constant theme and emphasis at CMC. In fact, one of the ways we describe CMC students is "Leaders in the Making." Choose someone, fictional or nonfictional, whom you consider to be a leader. Suppose you are this person's primary advisor. How would you advise this person and why?</p>
<p>For some reason, I just don't get it, and I would really appreciate your opinion/advice on this.</p>
<p>As I understand, I should pick someone I consider to be a leader and then write what I would recommend to that person. It doesn't make sense. Why would someone who is already a leader need an advice??</p>
<p>Leaders get advice for two main reasons. First, they don’t have the time or special ability to study everything in depth by themselves. Second, they benefit from hearing a variety of perspectives. </p>
<p>So, one way to approach your essay would be to think of a leader you know of personally–e.g. a teacher, principal, coach, boss, member of clergy, etc. Then, think of something that you know pretty well but they may not know so well, or that they may not be familiar with your perspective, your experience as a student. Then, you are ready to write your advice to that leader. Good luck!</p>
<p>I took it from the point of view that I was either a confidant or appointed advisor to someone, so I chose to write a letter to FDR about economic policies in 1936/1937.</p>
<p>I agree with you, OP, I don’t see why you would need to give a leader advice if you admire them for exactly what they’re doing. But I guess the college is looking to see a) who you think is a leader, b) why you think they make a good leader, and c) what you think is important in leadership (based on what you would say to the leader).</p>
<p>I’m awful at writing essays and interpreting things, and basically I’m all-around illiterate, but those are my thoughts.</p>
<p>Where did you get this essay prompt? For the past couple years the prompt has been as follows:
“Leadership is a constant theme and emphasis at CMC. In fact, one of the ways we describe CMC students is “Leaders in the Making.” Identify and discuss a person, fictional or nonfictional, who has helped shape culture and thought. You may select
someone from any field: literature, the arts, science, politics, history, athletics, business, education, etc.”</p>
<p>No advising mentioned. Anyone know where to find the Official Supplement Prompt for CMC entering freshmen Class of 2016 just to make sure?</p>