<p>For the second short answer about the activity I wrote about helping illegal immigrants. I really like what I wrote but I'm not sure if it is considered controversial?</p>
<p>Ofc it’s controversial. But it’s spicey and I like it! I say go for it. Unless, it’s a little too detailed.</p>
<p>I would avoid controversial topics and essays that discuss taking part in possibly illegal activities. If someone on the adcom is absolutely averse to your stance on the issue, it could result in a negative effect on your application. It’s better to write about a non-controversial topic. That way, your writing will be able to shine through without being tripped up by a negative reaction from members of the adcom.</p>
<p>shades<em>children does bring out a good point. However, IMHO, I do believe that there are ways to bring this about impartially, and w/o necessarily exposing the legality of your activities. Insofar as there’s purpose beyond “taking down the man,” if you catch my drift. Good writers can do this. And the intellectual, insanely liberal NYU adcom might appreciate this. With that in mind, however spicey (and interesting) the essay is, maybe it’s something (if it really is very good) worth more for publication than for school admissions. I wouldn’t want your chances to be jeopardized, but at the same time, it does paint a <em>truer</em> picture of you. But of course, shades</em>children’s response should supersede here. I do believe it also depends on your ability as a writer. I’ve become really curious about this essay now. When I reach my 10,000th post (for legitimacy reasons) please PM it to me :-)</p>
<p>Try perhaps submitting it here: [The</a> Scholastic Art & Writing Awards](<a href=“http://www.artandwriting.org/]The”>http://www.artandwriting.org/) </p>
<p>I’ve read some more than controversial essays they’ve published. And who knows, you might win the gold!</p>
<p>don’t write about stuff that is ILLEGAL. That’s a big no no.</p>
<p>The short answer is about helping undocumented immigrants find jobs, not helping them cross the border</p>
<p>hmmm it sounds risky to me, but you don’t want to be boring. I guess you could put a positive angle on it by talking about how you’re helping immigrants find jobs, but don’t get into detail about how they’re illegal aliens who hopped a border. Make sure the essay puts you in a positive light, and doesn’t make you look like a law breaker. Good luck - you also might want to get a friend/counselor/teacher to take a look at it and they can advise you on it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice everybody. I’m probably just going to change my answer.</p>
<p>i wouldn’t change it, helping them find jobs i think is much less controversial than helping them cross the border, and it helps you stand out. you should be as honest as possible in your answers, and if that’s something that’s important to you, you should be up front and vocal about it. the “safe” answer isn’t always the best one.</p>