I’m an international student and I’m wondering if it’s risky to talk about (in my supplement essay for Harvard) how politics in my country affects some aspects of my academic interests(My intended major(or whatever it is called) is math)?
Not at all. If you can think of an interesting essay topic that stands out, even if it’s a little risky, I say go for it. Do make sure that the essay focuses on how your situation affected your personal development most of all however, rather than solely the academic side of things.
My advice, especially for international applicants as int’l acceptance rates are so low, is that it’s fine (maybe even good) to take risks - embrace writing the most passionate, vivid, true to yourself piece that you can think of, even if it’s a little crazy and out there. If you know that you can do it well, even if it’s a little off the beaten path - go for it. At the very least, you’ll be memorable, and when international acceptance rates are probably 1-2% at best, that’s really all you can hope for.
I think a lot of people play it ‘too safe’ and write something too generic - and especially as an international applicant, that can really be to your detriment when they’re sometimes shifting through so many dozens or hundreds of apps per acceptance - you don’t want to be one of ‘the crowd’ - many of the international students I know at Harvard have really fascinating, diverse stories and achievements that would stand out a mile even among hundreds of applications.