<p>Is it ok to have controversial/unorthodox topics in supplemental essays? I have a couple books which I would like to add to book lists, but are unusual and somewhat frowned upon. I also wanted to write one of the "books that influenced you" essays on it. The book is bad, but what I began to believe after reading it is good?</p>
<p>Also, what about mentioning a currently controversial topic in an essay? The school I'm applying to is somewhat liberal, but should it matter anyways?</p>
<p>It depends on how controversial it is
What books are they?</p>
<p>Some Ayn Rand books and communism-related ones. They actually showed me why I support capitalism, and strengthened by belief in feminism.</p>
<p>Someone on CC once said they interned in a Communist American party political campaign, and it was fine for college, so I think this should be ok. I just don’t want colleges to think I’m a complete radical/wierdo/whatever.</p>
<p>Those should be fine, they won’t think of you as a radical unless you portray yourself as one.</p>
<p>Do some research into the college you are writing it for before you send it.</p>
<p>@ZombieDante: What should I be looking for? This college is a private, urban, east coast college that has had its’ share of controversy in the past.</p>
<p>BUMP 10char</p>
<p>I’d say roll with it. So long as you care about something passionately, colleges don’t care what the something is. Well, usually. We could take that idea and torture it with some gratuitous hypothetical situations, but let’s not. </p>
<p>The only concern I would have is with the “morals” (or something) of the person reading the application. Obviously, no admissions officer is going to see Ayn Rand and automatically reject you, but I have to believe that if that person is one of the many, many people in the world that thinks Ayn Rand kinda blows, they will be changed by the inclusion of it on your resume – even if only on a subconscious level. </p>
<p>But the ultimate motto in the college app process is be yourself, and if that self includes a fetish for Ayn Rand, by all means tell the colleges.</p>
<p>It’s not a fetish really . . .just one of those “books that impacted you” essays, and one ayn rand book. Could I do like Brave New World or something - similar but not as controversial?</p>
<p>DeanJ on a UVA thread, as an example, just mentioned that his eyes glaze over at, among others, Ayn Rand. Just done so much over the years. Most hs kids have no new insights to offer. So, the choice can fall flat. </p>
<p>But, for a book essay…maybe. Just be careful it’s well-written or it may not have the wow moment you expect.</p>
<p>Then I say go for it.</p>