I’ve been told repeatedly that Asians shouldn’t write about math in their college essays. However, math is one of my intended majors and passions, and also my biggest spike (10 on AIME, 36th place globally on OMO, math club founder and president, MATHCOUNTS founder and assistant coach, math tutor, etc). I wrote a college essay on my joy in math competitions and math research, and the development of my passion for problem solving through that. Would this be heavily penalized/harmful or useless because I’m Asian?
P.S. This is for Personal Insight Question 6 for UCs (Academic subject that inspires you)
You probably shouldn’t write an essay about only math, maybe throw in or relate it to something unconventional? A metaphor or talk about how it has affected you in a more personal way?
Your joy and passion for math comes through in this post. It seems to be a very integral part of your intellectual development and where you spend most of your time. I would definitely choose this topic for your essay–but make it focus on one specific experience perhaps, to give it some narrative life instead of being a catalog of participation and achievement. If your passion for math is what makes you “you,” then you would be foolish to avoid it because of your race. I recommend the online source, “Hacking the College Essay” for help with writing your essay. You will get all kinds of advice on trying to write what the AOs want to hear. Just genuinely communicate what makes you tick, and the right school will snap you up!
^The question was apparently about an academic subject that inspires you. So writing about math makes sense.
You should write about your true interests and passions. The authenticity will shine through.
The stereotype would do more damage to you if it led you not to be your true self. Forget about how others may or may not think in stereotypes. Be you. You love math. Show it!
The UCs do not consider race/ethnicity in admissions.