I’ve been reading articles that list topics to avoid (sex, drugs, mental health, etc.) and there’s one topic that’s never brought up. Will the 2016 election be a popular topic this year, and if so, should I avoid writing about it? The colleges I’m looking at are pretty liberal, but I wouldn’t write bashing anyone. Is this topic too new/controversial to talk about?
I would write about it. Don’t take sides, talk about what you’ve learned from it. Only use factually based statements that don’t require any opinionated assumptions. If the 2016 election was a big part of your life, then yes, if I was you, I would write about it.
The main reason I’m saying this is because I found the 2016 election to be quite influential as well. Not only on our country but myself in particular. I learned a lot about politics from it and fully developed my view(s) on certain things.
In light of very recent events, I would tread really really carefully when writing about politics.
Perhaps if use politics as a springboard for another topic, that would work. And if you are going for poli sci, I can’t see how you’d avoid it.
I’m not sure there’s any particular topic that’s off limits. But I do agree that some have to be handled delicately.
I can see , for example, how you could write a wonderful essay about how you were old enough to take a real interest in politics for the 2016 election. And you learned that so many different issues make up a campaign, even it only one or two get the soundbites on the news.
There are two things you aren’t ever supposed to talk about religion and politics.
I think religion is fine, so long as you talk about how it relates to your life. One of the common app prompts I think really lends itself well to talking about religious ceremonies. But I agree, talking about politics is not wise.
Do not under any circumstances discuss politics in a college application.
Guess what? Everyone thinks they have an interesting and unique perspective on politics. Most of us don’t. In fact when most people talk about politics they come off sounding really dumb. (this includes political pundits)
As an 18 year old…your life experience does not lend itself to these kinds of discussions being genuine, well observed, or heartfelt… and you’ll likely mostly regurgitate the political blather of someone else. Which is about as offputting as hemorrhagic diarrhea.
When you write essays for admissions, the whole point…is selling yourself as someone valuable to that college. It’s your sales pitch. You need to sell what you bring to the table. Why you and not someone else?
How many people make a sale…by talking about politics?
The only conceivable exception I could imagine, is if you were interested in being a political science major or law major and wanted to talk about trends and history in a neutral objective way.
Bottom Line…you can do better.
It depends on whether writing about the 2016 election can portray your character and personality rather than just magnifying your political views. An analytical essay about the controversial nature of the election or topics will come off as generic. A political belief paper might come off as polarizing. I’d say avoid this topic unless you can write an amazing essay that can depict your personality.