Hey everyone, I'm currently brainstorming topics for my personal essay and there are a few things I'm super passionate about that can be often seen as controversial, like politics, religion, etc. Is it advisable to broach such topics in my essays or better to avoid them?
My guidance is not to completely rule out controversial topics, but rather to handle them with great care. It's important to respect different perspectives and demonstrate a mature understanding of the topic. Keep in mind that the admission officers reading your essays come from diverse backgrounds and may have very different viewpoints.
However, it can be tricky to navigate such topics, and the essay may fall flat if you can't discuss the subject in a balanced, insightful, and sensitive manner. Instead of convincing the reader of your viewpoint, you might want to focus on demonstrating your ability to think critically and empathetically about various perspectives, and what your views reveal about you as a person.
For instance, if you're passionate about politics, maybe you could talk about how you and a friend with opposing political views found common grounds or how advocating for a certain cause helped you grow personally.
Everyone's circumstances are truly unique, so make sure to consider your specific situation when deciding on a topic. Ultimately, it's crucial that the topic you write on is one that means a lot to you – that's where the most compelling and authentic stories come from. Be prepared to rewrite and get lots of feedback if you decide to go with a contentious topic. It might be more difficult to pull off than more straightforward topics, but if done well, it could make for a powerful essay.
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