VEX robot - University of Toronto Computer Science Supplemental Question

3. Describe an example of a situation where you took on a leadership role. Some examples include (but are not limited to): helping to resolve a dispute or contributing to a group's goal. In your example, please outline what your contributions were including your role and responsibilities. What did you learn from this experience? Would you do anything differently if you were in the same situation again? (120 words max)

Amid a heated debate regarding which lift mechanism to use, our VEX robot fell from 21st place to 43rd place and eventually last. After the competition, we struggled to select mechanical subsystems; younger members proposed bold ideas, whereas older members preferred tried-and-true approaches. With the assistance of a lead mentor, I implemented a selection matrix system, known as Pugh Charts, to provide an objective method to evaluate ideas. Reluctantly, the team utilised this ideation process, successfully developing an outlined approach-much like piecing together a puzzle. This particular experience instilled a sense of confidence to lead with structured strategies rather than relying exclusively on skills. Anticipating similar obstacles, I advised other leads to use similar techniques to eliminate subjective bias and improve collaboration.

Be direct to the point when writing a response essay statement with a highly limited word count. Words such as heated debate can be avoided because the outcome was a failure for your group anyway. Discuss from an after competition perspective. Explain how you became the leader of the group. Develop the discussion from there and create a semblance of team participation under your guidance. That is sorely missing in this version and makes it appear like you were a dictator in the group, not allowing the group to develop as a team, but serving only as your minions. Review the questions provided as well. You failed to answer several points because of the incorrect response development.

I believe that you should structure your response with a heavier emphasis on what you actually learned from the experience and not simply describe the events that unfolded, as that does not help contribute to the prompt. This could potentially be done by starting the response with mentioning your inadequate performance at the competition. After setting this up you would then lay out how you helped settle the discussion amongst your team, and describe what this helped you learn and what you could bring into the future.