<p>My AP Language/Composition teacher this year had me write many college application essays for her and I (she did too) really liked one that I wrote in particular and am wondering if it would be good for my college essay? I would make alterations of course.</p>
<p>Prompt: Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
I wrote about a time in my US History class when my teacher was explaining how the Industrial Revolution was a thing of the past and how factories like they were depicted back then don't exist anymore and everything is safe. My father is a factory director and because of that, I knew that what she was saying was invalid, so I raised my hand and explained to the class the reality of "how the other half lives" because it was such a sensitive topic for me. While we read "The Jungle" in HISTORY class, I explained how unfair treatment of factory workers and gruesome conditions are not a thing of the past. To do this, I had to reveal to the entire class that my father worked in a factory. I challenged my belief, but knew that if I didn't, my entire class would live with a false sense of reality.</p>
<p>Is it risky to write about something like this? The piece is very, very well written, clear and concise, but is it risky to write about standing up to a teacher and factory life?</p>
<p>I think it’ll depend on your tone and your portrayal. Was revealing your father as a factory director an act of shame? Did you paint your teacher as ignorant or naive? One thing you might have to worry about is not coming off as too condescending or too good to be living like “the other half.”</p>
<p>Also, I’m not quite sure I caught the reason that prompted you to act.</p>
<p>Definitely not too risky. This prompt. is asking you for a scenario exactly like that. They want to hear about how you challenged authority, as long as you can justify a good answer. I agree with what flyingkitty said. If your English teacher already approved of it as well, then I say go for it. GL</p>
<p>I definitely don’t sound condescending in it- I really admire the teacher and you can tell that from the piece. And it wasn’t an act of shame, but more of an act of pride and “bravery”. It’s really hard to explain- I really like the piece because it shows my writing skills and a backstory that I have which is unique!</p>
<p>Hmm… I say that you can write about anything as long as its well-written and tells admissions something about you that they can’t read elsewhere on your application</p>
<p>Yeah, a lot of topic choices really depend on how you spin it (except for what I call RAPE: Religion, Abortion, Politics, Economics. These are best avoided, but I don’t think you have to worry about that). If you’re coming across as a well-adjusted individual (and it sounds like you probably are), then I think you’re all set. :)</p>
GL</p>