How I Cracked MICA’s Email Test

Prajwal Hegde
7 min readMay 26, 2023

--

MICA, with its renowned CCC program, MICA attracts talented individuals from across the globe, offering a platform to hone their skills and shape their futures. I am thrilled to share my journey of clearing MICA’s CCC email test.

With ten thought-provoking questions, this test pushed the boundaries of my creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. In this blog post, I’ll share the strategies and experiences for some of the questions that led me to secure my place in the prestigious program.

From crafting a compelling superhero with world-changing superpowers to conceptualizing an app with unlimited potential, each question demanded concise and convincing responses. As I delved into introspection and innovation, I discovered new dimensions of my abilities. I was navigating through each question with confidence and determination. From ranting about loathsome advertisements to forming a political party and even choosing a farewell song for my old car, every challenge tested my creative prowess.

Question: A leading graphics novel corporation has asked you to create a superhero. In five lines, explain the hero’s superpowers and why the world needs her or him. If you can, sketch the character.

The thought process behind creating The Sentinel was to envision a superhero with telekinetic powers to influence and control thoughts and emotions, allowing them to combat injustice and protect the vulnerable from those who abuse their powers for harm, ultimately restoring balance and justice to the world. (Created using Procreate on iPad and Stylized using Adobe Photoshop)

Answer: The Sentinel has the power to control and influence other people’s thoughts and emotions through his telekinesis. He can control the actions and behavior of multiple people at once, as well as manipulate objects with his mind. He uses his powers to fight against people who use their power to hurt and take advantage of others, while also protecting and helping those who have been affected by their actions. The world needs The Sentinel to put an end to the harmful plans of corrupt individuals, bring them to justice, and restore balance and fairness by taking down those who spread darkness and evil. write a brief description of the answer in 2 lines explaining the thinking process

Question: What kind of app will you create if given unlimited funds? Explain in five lines why humanity needs this app. If you can, make a dummy home page. (If you can’t, chill. We won’t cut any marks).

The concept behind TrueID is to address the challenges of identity verification and online credibility by utilizing various methods like public data, digital signatures, and biometrics. It aims to combat identity theft, and plagiarism, and promote transparency while fostering trust and confidence among online users and stakeholders. (Created using Figma)

Answer:
We live in an age where everyone may publish an opinion. Today, with more than a billion people using social media throughout the world, we have been acclimated to the revolution and frequently prefer to accept what we see, which is somewhat rational. TrueID is a mobile application that verifies the identity of persons using different methods, including public data, digital signatures, and biometrics. It employs credibility as a currency or scores similar to that of a credit score and verifies a person’s existence and online activity.
1. To prevent identity theft and fraud by providing a secure and verifiable method for people to identify themselves online.
2. To prevent plagiarism and idea theft by providing a verifiable record of a person’s accomplishments, credentials, and works.
3. To promote transparency and accountability by enabling individuals
4. To share and verify their information and activities online. help develop confidence and credibility among online community members and stakeholders.
5. To ensure the ethical and fair use of personal data.

Question: You have decided to form a political party. Give it a name, draft a 2-line manifesto, write a short slogan (in any language), and choose a symbol. (You can select an existing object or create a new one)

The answer to the this question proposes the Desh Vikas Party (DVP) with the aim of fostering country development. The party’s manifesto emphasizes innovation, forward-thinking, creativity, and inclusivity, envisioning a brighter future for all citizens of India.(Created using Adobe Illustrator)

Answer:
Party Name:
Desh Vikas Party (DVP) meaning Country Development Party Party Slogan: Ek Naya Bhaarat, Ek Naee Chhalaang (A New India, A New Leap)
Manifesto: “Innovating for progress, paving the way for a new era with forward-thinking solutions, fostering creativity and diversity to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all”

Question: What three objects will you place in a time capsule that will be opened after 200 years? Each object should have a three-line message

The idea behind the answer to the question was to select objects for a time capsule that symbolize fundamental aspects of human existence, such as love, the environment, and the expression of emotions. The concept aimed to capture the essence of human connections, the importance of preserving our natural resources, and the power of creativity and emotions in shaping our experiences and understanding of life.

Answer
1. Photograph of a Loving Heterosexual Couple: To symbolize the significance of love and companionship in human relationships. A reminder that people have sought love and connection throughout history and that romantic and biological ties are fundamental to human existence.

2. A small vial of soil, air, and water: To induce nostalgia and symbolize the significance of a clean environment, as well as to serve as a reminder of the few resources we possess and the need to cherish and care for them. It is a reminder that the basic elements are the foundation of all life.

3. A handwritten notebook or journal including scribbles & artwork: This object symbolizes the human spirit, our ability to express ourselves and our feelings through many means, our capacity to make happy mistakes, and the significance and value of human emotions in the creative process. A reminder that human behavior is the universal language and an opportunity to reflect on the human experience.

Question: Rant (in five lines) about an advertisement you abhor, one that you positively loathe. (Maximum two expletives allowed). Explain in another five lines how you will redo the ad. (No expletives permitted)

The concept behind the answer to question 5 was to express a strong objection to deodorant commercials that oversexualize and set unrealistic expectations. The idea was to highlight the unfair portrayal of both men and women and suggest a satirical approach that focuses on the product’s useful qualities while mocking the disturbing ads that objectify women. The concept aimed to promote a more realistic and inclusive perspective, emphasizing genuine freshness and confidence rather than perpetuating shallow stereotypes.

Answer: As a man, I strongly object to deodorant commercials that feature drooling females. They over-sexify the product and present unrealistic lifestyle expectations. It’s unfair that they portray men as having to conform to a certain ideal in order to be considered attractive. The product’s intention is to aid in personal care and sanitation, not to set unrealistic societal norms. These deodorant commercials appeal primarily to men and portray women as shallow objects of lust. They use money, attractiveness, and notoriety to attract male attention. I’d focus on the products’ useful qualities satirically mocking other disturbing ads that objectify women in a similar way.

“Introducing the new and improved Deoz Men’s Deodorant. Designed to keep you feeling fresh and confident all day long. Say goodbye to the false lifestyle expectations and hello to real-life, real-man freshness. Our deodorant is designed to work with your body, not against it, to keep you feeling and smelling great. Try it now and experience the difference for yourself”

Question: Assume these personalities are alive and write their Tinder profiles/bios. A) Josef Stalin B) Albert Einstein C) Chanakya D) King Ashoka E) Marie Curie

Each profile aimed to infuse humor and a touch of their respective personas, while also highlighting their achievements or characteristics. The concept was to reimagine these renowned figures in a modern context, leveraging their fame and attributes to craft witty and intriguing bios that would catch the attention of potential matches. (Imagined using Midjourney AI)

Joseph Stalin
Looking for a revolutionary partner to shake things up within the world and in the bedroom. Swipe right if you’re a fan of mustaches and ready to bring about a new era of power and strength.

Albert Einstein
Physics nerd boy seeking someone to re-equate the theory of our relativity :’) My looks might be wild, but I’m wilder.

Chanakya
I’ve conquered the politics now it’s time to conquer your heart. Swipe right for a strategic and intellectually stimulating relationship.

King Ashoka
A fierce conqueror in the past enlightened and embraced Buddhism. Now I’m looking for someone to enlighten me in the bedroom too. #AshokaTheConquerorofHearts

Marie Curie
Won the world of physics and chemistry now looking to win the world of physical chemistry. I’m Curie and I’m Curious

Question: Though we at MICA CCC are generally friendly folks, we have a fault: we tend to be suspicious. Your task is to prove that all the above questions were answered only by you.

The answer involved providing concrete evidence of my individuality and originality by sharing a drive link containing files, documents, and notes that supported the ideas and concepts presented. To add a touch of satire, I introduced a symbol of authenticity, the “PH* hallmark,” to highlight the dubious nature of corporate certifications and their reliance on self-validation. The thinking process behind this answer aimed to playfully challenge the notion of credibility and emphasize the importance of genuine originality.

Answer: The answer to this question involved providing concrete evidence of my individuality and originality by sharing a drive link containing files, documents, and notes that supported the ideas and concepts presented. To add a touch of satire, I introduced a symbol of authenticity, the “PH* hallmark,” to highlight the dubious nature of corporate certifications and their reliance on self-validation. The thinking process behind this answer aimed to playfully challenge the notion of credibility and emphasize the importance of genuine originality.

It is not about the answers that you give, but in the creativity and innovation that drive them.

In conclusion, my journey through MICA’s CCC email test was a transformative experience that pushed the boundaries of my creativity and critical thinking. From superheroes to innovative apps and political parties, I showcased my unique perspectives and communication skills. I hope my insights have inspired you to embrace your uniqueness and think boldly in your own pursuits.

--

--