I am applying to USC, and I interned for Trump’s campaign…
Should I not specify the candidate I interned for? I mean, I have a lot of political activism-related activities on my application. For example, co-founder/co-president of a millennial Republican club… so I am assuming they can infer who I interned for.
Someone mentioned how USC/California leans very liberal, so I should be careful when taking sides as I am doing…
It does make me sad that people have to ask this question, and I truly wish I could tell you to go ahead and put that down on your application, but I’m just not sure. It’s clear that your overall profile revolves around political activism, so it isn’t out of place at all.
What I can tell is that there have been many posts on CollegeConfidential about similar things, have you been able to check them out?
@AGoodFloridian I have not looked. But I agree that it is unimaginable that I need to even ask this question.
I wouldn’t specify no matter what the party. What does it matter which candidate? You can list the responsibilities you had, etc. without saying.
Hm. I agree with @AGoodFloridian.
Personally, I would put it. There is absolutely no reason you should be ashamed of your political stance/political activism. Besides, you’re the president/founder of a Republican club. They’ll put two and two together.
However, keep in mind that ADCOMs are human, and there is a real chance political views within the committee could affect your decision.
@intparent Well, I figured it would be better to be specific. But I suppose it is better to keep my political stance muted.
@TransferStalker If you were me, what would you do? I mean, in my USC supplement, I touch upon the importance of “diversity of thought” and how I opened the door for students with opposing viewpoints to attend our meetings to discuss current events… And then I mention how my opinion on an issue such as gun control shifted due to these debates since we learn and strengthen our own arguments because of opposing viewpoints.
Why do you think you need to be specific? And REALLY… I would not talk about guns in any way in your application. No matter what your position was/is on it. Unless, of course, you don’t care if you get in or not.
I’m kind of thinking your whole supplement topic maybe should be reconsidered. Politics, religion, and mental health – all are topics you run a risk by talking about. So I’d reconsider.
@intparent The supplement essay prompt, which asks for a 250 word response, is the following:
USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point of view.
I am discussing how in the club I founded/was the president of, when we invited students with opposing viewpoints, it caused me to question my own views…
So I am not just talking about guns like you are implying.
Do as you like. You are going to anyway. It doesn’t matter if you are answering the prompt – sometimes it is best to stay away from some topics.
@intparent I will do what I feel is best. I just wanted to hear input from others. I appreciate your opinion, but you are correct, at the end of the day, I will do what my heart tells me to do. I do not feel like I need to hide behind who I really am. My political activism is a huge part of who I am.
@aznboi4981 Well, as I said, if I were you, I’d talk about your politically-oriented EC’s freely, KEEPING IN MIND that ADCOMs may judge you unfairly (whether purposefully or not) due to your stated political views.
Here’s my two cents on the matter:
I think it’s hypocritical for an institution to promote “diversity of thought” and making themselves out to be a “platform for open discussion and free speech”, and then punishing a student for having views they may not agree with. But hey, I’m not on any admissions committee, so how ADCOMs think is anybody’s guess.
You’re taking a risk–it’s up to you if you think it’s worth taking it.
Ya know, similar extracurriculars were on my application when I applied to NYU as a first-year student two years ago, and I was accepted. I need to be authentic, and this is who I am. I am taking the risk. Thank you.
My older sister went to USC and there were a lot of republican and conservative students there, with a pretty visible/active presence. I don’t think USC, while being liberal-leaning (as most colleges are), will really deny you for that. If you meet other qualifications you should have nothing to worry about.
To me, that’s impressive. I’m not sure what exactly you did, but it shows that you’re committed and have experience in your desired field. I would include all info as long as it’s relevant.
@OhWhatsHerName Thank you for that! It boosts my confidence quite a bit. I am literally a political junkie stuck in a business major’s body, and I just find it important to be authentic with admissions. This is who I am… politics makes up a huge part of the person I am.