Avoid this
- Researching only one viewpoint
- Confusing opinions with evidence
- Ignoring unintended consequences
High school project idea · Law, Policy & Society
Solve a Problem Nobody Agrees On
Study a controversial issue and build a thoughtful policy proposal backed by evidence.
Strong leaders understand disagreements before proposing solutions.
Original Compass project by Davisville LabsReviewed August 2026Goal real work, evidence, and reflectionEditorial standards →
Why this project matters
Learn by doing something real.
The hardest public problems rarely have simple solutions. They involve competing values, limited resources, unintended consequences, and people who genuinely disagree. This project helps students move beyond taking sides by learning how to understand different perspectives, evaluate evidence, identify tradeoffs, and build practical policy recommendations that acknowledge complexity rather than ignore it.
What you will create
Your project plan
Use these deliverables as milestones for Solve a Problem Nobody Agrees On. Adapt the details to your interests, available time, and real-world opportunities.
- 01
Policy Question Brief
Choose one controversial public issue, define the specific policy question, and explain why reasonable people disagree about it.
- 02
Multi-Perspective Research
Research credible evidence from multiple viewpoints and summarize the strongest arguments, supporting evidence, and key disagreements.
- 03
Stakeholder & Tradeoff Analysis
Identify who is affected, what each group values, and the tradeoffs involved with different policy choices.
- 04
Policy Proposal
Develop a realistic recommendation with supporting evidence, implementation steps, expected benefits, possible drawbacks, and responses to likely criticisms.
- 05
Public Policy Case Study
Publish a portfolio-ready case study explaining the issue, research process, competing perspectives, policy proposal, implementation strategy, and personal reflection.
Make the work stronger
What separates a finished project from a meaningful one?
For Solve a Problem Nobody Agrees On, use these checkpoints to protect the quality of the work without turning the project into a performance for admissions.
Evidence that it is working
- A controversial policy question was selected
- Multiple credible perspectives were researched
- Stakeholders and tradeoffs were analyzed
If you want to go further
- Interview local leaders or subject matter experts
- Compare how different countries approach the same issue
Skills you can build
Capabilities that travel beyond this project.
Evidence EvaluationEmpathyDecision MakingCivic ReasoningWritten Communication
College application value
Use the project as evidence, not decoration.
Demonstrates intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, leadership, communication, civic engagement, ethical reasoning, and the ability to solve complex real-world problems through thoughtful research.
Intellectual CuriosityLeadershipAnalytical ThinkingCommunicationCivic Engagement
The goal of Solve a Problem Nobody Agrees On is not to manufacture an impressive activity. Do real work, keep evidence of the process, and reflect honestly on what changed.
Related college majors
Which fields connect to this work?
Use Solve a Problem Nobody Agrees On as a clue, then open a related major guide to compare coursework, career directions, reality checks, and other ways to test the field.
Major guide
International Relations
Study how countries, organizations, markets, conflict, culture, and power interact across borders.
Major guide
Public Policy
Use research, values, and evidence to compare responses to public problems.
Major guide
Philosophy
Examine difficult questions through logic, argument, and careful reflection.
How this guide was made
Read editorial standards →Solve a Problem Nobody Agrees On is an original Compass educational starting point designed around real work, visible evidence, feedback, and reflection. It is not an admissions guarantee.
Ready to build it?
Try this project in Compass