Hi, Guys! I have great stats so i plan to apply to one of the elite colleges this year. Is it a good idea to write about how the pressure of being gay in a homophobic, muslim country didn’t faze me but instead it served as a fuel for me to work harder and made me a better person. I don’t plan to make it melancholic or grotesque. Should I write it?
No
What school
I think that’s a great topic. With the elite schools sometimes you have to take a chance to catch their attention.
Yes, that is a great essay topic, especially if you write it well. It would make me sit up and take notice, if I were reading it. My primary tip would be to give it a nice, narrative thread. I would start with a story to pull them in.
+1. If you can do it, write it. Don’t listen to the naysayers.
I don’t think it is risky, to the contrary. I think it is a very popular essay topic these days and I am sure every admission officer has read 100s of versions of it.
My D’s counselor told the senior class, “Don’t write your essay about being gay, everyone’s gay.” She said it is too common of a subject. That being said, I think any subject can be interesting if it is written well.
… I disagree with the most recent comments. While I’m sure being gay has in recent years become a slightly overdone topic (which I take as a good thing, re: increasing visibility of LGBTQ people and acceptance at a younger age), I think your approach and specific lens are unique. Being gay in a homophobic, Muslim country will be a unique experience among applicants to American universities and I think you will be able to demonstrate aspects of your character well via that topic. I’m sure there are plenty of people who cover the “I’m gay” topic in a cloying, cliche way, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done, and well. (and lordy–everyone’s gay? Only if you live in WeHo!)
I think it sounds intriguing. I hope you are somewhere that you are safe. Good luck!
What is the consequence of being found out in your country? If it is illegal, you have the potential for an excellent essay on the risk / potential price of living in integrity,
This topic is awesome! I think if you write your essay really well, you will really stand out in a positive way. Even if being gay is a common topic, make your essay super specific to you. College admissions do not care about the topic, but rather how much the essay exposes a student’s personality.
Good luck!!!
It can definitely work but be very careful when you write it- unfortunately, people will often let their own opinions get in the way of things, and even 1 or 2 people on the committee who aren’t rooting for you can shut down your application.
Also, if you have a riskier essay, do it as a supplement rather than a common app- that way you don’t have to send it to your safeties.
It’s not risky. Gay is the new black.
Sounds like a great topic.
Is this even considered a ‘risky’ essay? It sounds great.
I’d read it. And this is the first essay topic I’ve seen here in a while that I’d say that too.
lol, coz it’s not risky))
I don’t think it’s too risky. You have an unique perspective - being gay in a homophobic Muslim country. Go ahead!