<p>Last night, I came up with a risky, yet very good essay topic. However, I think it could go either way. What is the general guidelines of what is too risky or what is good? </p>
<p>~Twirl</p>
<p>It may depend on where you're applying. I would imagine that the southern more religious schools would be more strict, and would require a less "risky" essay topic...</p>
<p>Although, it does depend on what topic you ARE referring to.</p>
<p>^agreed. I'll read it if you want.</p>
<p>it also depends on what the risk is...like if it's sex-related, i would prob. say stay away...</p>
<p>There is some discussion of risky essays at the Virginia site:</p>
<p>The question is: How well can you write?
If you have found "your voice", and it's not only you who thinks that, and if you can write really well (that link is good) I'd say risky topics aren't that risky.</p>
<p>Could your choice of topic offend somebody? Your language(!) ? Are you able to maintain a minimum of tact? If you are trying to write a funny essay - is this kind of fun considered.. intellectual?
Are you able to write a good essay, if you aren't insecure and not entirely comfortable with your topic?</p>
<p>What are you trying to say with your essay? That you take risks? That you want to stand out at any prize?</p>
<p>Risks, risks. Think twice, and sorry for my grammar(not native, but I'm trying)
Claire</p>
<p>Claire - I didn't even notice any major grammatical errors. No need to apologize. =D</p>
<p>to add on to this, do admissions officers generally have a sense of humor? lol seems like a stupid question, but I don't want to write a funny-ish essay and have some staid old man be like "wth is this garbage"</p>
<p>I haven't seen very many staid old men in admissions . . . most are young and hip :)</p>
<p>But, tnb, don't go out of your way to be funny. If it comes naturally that's one thing. But you want your essay to speak about you, to come naturally... to have you voice throughout. So if you're trying super hard to impress them with comedy, you're better off not.</p>
<p>anything is too risky</p>
<p>If you think your essay is funny, show it to some adults (other than your parents) and ask them what they think. Also, if your topic is "risky," ask those adults if they think the essay shows you in a positive light.</p>
<p>I agree completely with Hunt.</p>
<p>No risk, no return (as I said on another thread). </p>
<p>They could absolutely love it or hate it. You'll never know unless you try.</p>
<p>You may think that your essay shows you as "independent" or "your own person" or "somebody who marches to the beat of a different drummer." An adult reader may think that it shows you as uncooperative, difficult, arrogant, selfish, weird, etc. Adcoms are adults. If you want to get some idea of how they will react to your essay, show it to several adults.</p>