Hi!
I am a current high school senior who is in the middle of the college admissions process. I have to write a supplement for my Stanford application describing a historical event or period I wish I had lived through. My original idea was to choose the black panther era in the late 1960s. I truly find their bravery and unapologetic attitudes inspiring and I find admirable all that they did for the community. Some amazing programs they started like Free Breakfast For Kids and Neighborhood Watch are things that have stuck around until today in their own ways. However, I do understand that they are quite a controversial group. They took on civil rights in a way that was hands on and even aggression (although I would say they are described as “radical” because of incorrect teaching of their message). I believe I could write something passionate and genuine if I chose this topic, but I don’t want it to affect my application poorly. My mom argues that you never know who is sitting in that room. Thoughts?
Try writing it and see how you feel about it then. Ask a trusted English or History teacher to give you feedback. Many historical events and periods have positive and negative aspects. If you don’t like the product you can regroup and do something different before the application deadline. Try it.
I think a nuanced essay that acknowledges both the positive and negative aspects could work. They are looking at how you think, process, and analyze
I agree with @intparent. Esp. if you can provide evidence that what people know about the Panthers is not supported by historical evidence – that could be interesting.
Assuming your common app essay is personal, this can be a more formal or academic essay. That said, make the connection to you – why is this era mportant to you, what would you have learned if you had lived through it and how would it have impacted you.
Good luck!
It could be interesting if well supported. (You could be right, but I’d require some convincing evidence — and so might your admissions reader)
Controversial is ok. Just remember, they aren’t asking out of idle curiosity. Nor is it an intelletual exercise. They want to see what you choose and how you explain this interest, how it connects to you, your other strengths, actions, etc. As intparent said, how you think.
But unfortunately, just saying inspiring, admirable, amazing may not show you at your best. If you mention their “bravery” and “programs,” but haven’t extended yourself in your own commitments, it may fall flat. Because in addition to your thinking, your own actions “show.” Or not.