I was thinking of doing the “what won’t we know after reading your application” question, but do you guys think that they’re looking for something über serious like “i cured cancer with a paper clip in mY BEDROOM ALONE” or just something that shows your personality? Thanks!
note: i did not cure cancer with a paper clip in my bedroom alone that was just an example
My S’s answer to that question showed his personality (and with a little humor). He currently attends Mudd. 
Also, sorry to bother you or anything, but do you know anything about the expected topics? like i know Mudd is a science/technology based school, but should i write about my science/technology interests, or can i write about an “off the beaten path” sort of topic like poetry, or music, or something like that?
It’s wide open…do what you want them to know about you (that they haven’t already learned from your other essays, extra curricular activities etc.) I don’t think there is any expected topic. My S’s had nothing to do with science/technology. I’m sure other parts of your application (and the fact that you are applying) already show you love science and technology (as does everyone else applying). Show them another side of you–be unique.
I chose to write about something from my past that has affected who I am today. I used to do Tae Kwon Do with my family and it built my confidence and personality that I have now, but it’s something that isn’t anywhere on my application because I stopped doing it in 6th grade. It’s still significant and it gives a glimpse into who I am but has nothing to do with STEM. I think they’re just looking to learn more about you in a way that’s significant to you and that you want them to see.
I think they assume that if you cured cancer alone in your bedroom with a paper clip, you would have found a way to put it in your application already. By that I mean that they assume your accomplishments will already be stated in the application. They are looking more for ways in which you are an interested and/or interesting person, I think. It can be something not related to STEM at all. Look at Mudd’s mission statement and see if it triggers any thoughts. Or maybe what motivates you (why did you pick a paperclip to use? Why not a thumbtack or tape? Why cancer, and not ALS or HIV? Did you think about making it a steady state disease vs eliminating it?). So you can pick some accomplishment on your resume and dig more into the how/why it came about. But this isn’t really a brag sheet portion of the essay – it is a “what makes you tick” and “what makes you unusual compared to the other applicants we have” opportunity.
Haha, thanks for your help! I think I’m going to write about how I like writing poetry and making up stories, just since that wasn’t on the rest of my app- to show my creative spirit I guess? I dunno. I’ll see how it turns out!