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Occidental College

Los Angeles, CaliforniaPrivate

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Occidental College’s 2024-25 Essay Prompts

Select-A-Prompt Short Response

Not Required
250 Words

Please answer one of the following questions (200 - 250 words):


Option 1

Why are you applying to Occidental? Why do you think Occidental, and our location in Los Angeles, is the right place for you to pursue your interests?


Option 2

Occidental’s central mission emphasizes the value of community amidst diversity. What do you value in a community and how do you see your perspectives and life experiences enhancing it?


Option 3

Research is an integral part of an Occidental education. Completing a senior comprehensive is a requirement of every Occidental student and there are a myriad of opportunities for research throughout your four years. Imagine you were just awarded one of our research grants for a project of your choice. What are you researching and why?

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