I’m working to answer the following prompt for Rice:
The Committee on Admission is interested in getting to know each candidate as well as possible through the application process. The following essay question is designed to demonstrate your writing skills and facilitate our full appreciation of your unique perspective.
The quality of Rice’s academic life and the Residential College System are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What personal perspective do you feel that you will contribute to life at Rice?
I have a perspective which I feel is unique. It deals with my carelessness and lack of responsibility and involves sexual intercourse. I don’t want to revolt an essay reader. Should I write about this experience, or look for a tamer topic?
If you do not think the topic will paint you in a good light, then it is probably to personal. And you should not talk about being promiscuous (if that is what the topic is about). Maybe you could talk about how a certain occasion (w/o going into great detail about sexual intercourse) led you to become more responsible and less careless. You could possibly do this by referring to sexual intercourse as something tamer, idk. Have someone read over the essay and see what they say when you complete it.
General rule of thumb is if you would be willing to post it in open forum with your name on it, it is a good idea. Otherwise stick to something a little more vague or direct the essay towards your perspectives and learning and not the actual incident itself
My AP Lang teacher always said not to post anything too controversial. This includes the topic of sex, racial slur, etc. The two above comments are right. I don’t want to burst your bubble, but it would be best to find a new topic. However, if you feel as if you truly need to speak about your desired topic, by all means, follow your heart and write it because that’s what makes a great essay.