<p>Is it a good idea to bring politics into an essay? </p>
<p>I wrote my diversity essay about how I'm an Arab-American and there is a general stereotype about Arabs, I didn't go into much detail about it. I said how i want to raise awareness and learn about other cultures. But, someone who read my essay said it was too political. It wasn't really at all, but regardless, don't they want different opinions? Or should you steer clear of politics? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>It depends on the school you are applying to?</p>
<p>State schools won't care. For private schools you're going to have to be careful, some like it, some don't and some like particular political viewpoints only.</p>
<p>What's the essay prompt? </p>
<p>I wrote my essay about a political experience I had, yet I focused my entire essay upon the small details of the experience rather than boasting my grand political ideals. I think it'd make a much better piece of writing if you could touch on the politics stuff "indirectly," through some sort of an anecdote. DO NOT try to force some awkward political opinions into your essay. Just tell a a simple, everyday story or experience, and it will naturally speak for itself. </p>
<p>PS- Remember, your goal is writing an essay that'll get you into your first choice school, not selling your political opinions on the newspaper editorial section.</p>
<p>I'm applying to the University of Michigan.
Here's the essay prompt.</p>
<p>At the University of Michigan, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions and cultural backgrounds. What would you as an individual bring to our campus community?</p>
<p>
[quote]
I said how i want to raise awareness and learn about other cultures.
[/quote]
That doesn't sound political; it sounds nice, actually - really cool that you are proud of your culture and want others to know about it so that misunderstandings can be cleared up.</p>
<p>That was just the opinion of one person that it was political. Perhaps if you post the essay somewhere on CC, you can get more input.</p>
<p>Sex, Religion, Politics - stay away from them.</p>
<p>But in this case, it really depends on how you worded your essay. Is it truely objective with a good intent, or do you come across sounding bitter (something that most places of employement or any school would want to avoid like the plague). Have several people read the essay and try to get a good feel for how it really sounds to an objective ear. If you accomplish your original goal - it could be a very good topic.</p>
<p>Would you be willing to read my essay celestial?</p>