<p>Okay, so for one of my applications, I can write an editorial on the topic of my choice. So i'm sort of super opinionated about abortion, because i was adopted...and it's just something that's been really important to me, but alas, it's a REALLY controversial topic, and if i get an admissions officer with an entirely different opinion on it, i could ruin myself. but then again, it's really a part of who i am. so, i'm thinking i shouldn't write it on abortion...but then i think it's crazy not to show them who i really am. i mean, this is me. i don't know. i have a bunch of pro-choice friends...and i'm not the kind of person who refuses to hear both sides to things... so i also don't want to come off as a snobbish stuck-up Jesus freak. the more i write this, the more i think my editorial on abortion should be out the window.</p>
<p>take the risk. you might probably offend one or two, but why would you want to go to a college where they don't accept your principles? one guy wrote about sexual fantasis in his essay to...I forgot whichj school. He got in/</p>
<p>Go for it! If they turn you down because of your heartfelt opinion on a subject that means that much to you, then their decision would mean that was never the right college for you. There's no reason to go to a college where you can't show your true self.</p>
<p>I don't know, I'd think about staying away from it. Abortion is a very sensitive topic, and I can make a pretty solid prediction that 90 percent of adcoms are pro-abortion, so if you're a pro-lifer it's risky. The opinions of the adcoms aren't representative of the entire student body, so don't think of it as not being able to represent your true views, think of it as "do no harm."</p>
<p>Normally, I wouldn't suggest writing an essay on a topic like abortion because normally colleges are interested more in learning about the applicant's character, not how the applicants think the world should be run.</p>
<p>Since, though, the college gives you the opportunity to write an editorial, it sounds like a place that welcomes opinions -- strong ones and on controversial topics. My suggestion is to make sure that your editorial is a good editorial -- supported by facts, not just your gut feelings. Fine to say that you are adopted and that's why you care so much about this issue, but also demonstrate your thinking ability by supporting your opinion by research. The foundation of all good editorials is research, not emotion.</p>
<p>An adcom would not have to agree with your opinion to be able to be impressed by a well researched, well written essay. I imagine that the adcoms will get very sick of hearing bland essays supporting world peace.</p>
<p>I'm pro-choice, and I would not be the least bit offended to read a pro-life editorial, assuming it wasn't along the lines of "all these pro-abortion idiots are horrible, cruel, baby-killers." Especially as you are adopted and it is a personal issue for you, I think it would be fine. I think most pro-choice people are pretty open about it. I can be very opinionated, but abortion is an easy issue to see both sides of.</p>
<p>I say you should def write about it but don't neglect to say how your experience of being adopted gave you this stance on abortion. If you do this, it will humanize the essay and take away from the controversy because the descion will be justified by your personal issues. </p>
<p>And I wouldn't worry too much about it because if the college assigned an editorial essay, they know they're bound to come accross controversial topics. If it really bothers you though, consider writing a disclaimer stating that it's your beliefs, etc. before the start of the essay.</p>
<p>A comment on the comments: there is NO SUCH THING as pro-abortion. Being pro-choice does not being pro-abortion. Few people actually want women to have to go through that.</p>
<p>On your main topic -- I'd do it, but stay away from coming across as too opinionated. Present it more as "here's how I feel, this is why, and here are the facts to back it up," rather than "this is how I feel and this is why it's right." It's a subtle difference, but if you're going to offend them, it's only by doing the latter. I don't know anyone who would take offense at a well-written and well-researched argument if there aren't any subtle or direct stabs at them personally. Also, try to work in a conscession to the other side -- arguments are never black and white, and conceding is a sign of maturity. Talk about how being adopted affects your opinion (I'd actually focus mainly on that), but don't neglect the other side. Place yourself in your birth mother's shoes (if possible) and imagine every aspect of her decision.</p>
<p>College admissions officers are expected to subordinate their personal opinions, but they're only human...
I'm not trying to prevent you from writing about something that you truly feel to be a part of you, but take that advice to mind.</p>
<p>Yeah I was going to say that comment about how no one is pro abortion. Except for maybe a very evil person. Pro choice is different, so if you do write about abortion in your essay, make sure to have all your terms correct. I would advise you to not write about it simply because there are some things that you shouldn't discuss with people who you don't know and haven't met yet ie politics, religion, and other things that people are strongly divided about. I don't want to belittle your beliefs, I'm just trying to best advise you. :)</p>
<p>I say go for it. Anyone admissions officer that would score a well argued piece poorly because he disagrees with it is a *****. Just make sure your arguments are coherent and impersonal. Don't dehumanize people who do choose to have abortions, focus on why you're against it in principle.</p>
<p>Remember that this is your chance to present yourself, your personality, your goals and passions. If this position is really YOU, and overrides everything else in your life, go for it. It not, it may be too confining. Just a thought...</p>
<p>Well, it depends on how well you write. There are myriad approaches to presenting effective (and persuasive) arguments here. Think about what exactly you want to get across through your essay and work uncomprimisingly toward that end. I can envision an essay that borrows the best of "pro-choice" rhetoric to make a strong legal, moral, etc. case for the freedom of choice but finally concludes, in your case (and the reader's, who has now come to know you through the essay) that the harm would be too monstrous to admit--that you, in fact, would not exist. And what a loss that would be!</p>
<p>personally, I don't think there are very many people who could write about a touchy subject without offending and doing it in a classy way. :cool:</p>
<p>Don't indict the practice of abortion. Write about how your being adopted has affected your life, and include your views on abortion in it. You don't want the topic to be an exclamation of your political philosophy on a touchy issue, rather you want it to be an exclamation of that which makes you who you are, which incorporates your views on abortion.</p>