I’ve read a lot about how atheism and religion are too touchy. But I feel this would be an essay relevant to my identity so I just wanted to know if you know of anyone who wrote about atheism in their HYPSM essay and did/didn’t get in
As long as it is handled sensitively and respectfully, atheism is not inherently a bad topic. Be personal, not didactic. Try out your draft on someone you respect who comes from a different religious perspective, just to make sure you aren’t unintentionally stepping on toes.
Harvard has a strong Humanist community, incidentally–and I would assume that the rest of HYPSM do as well.
(I wrote about atheism in 1985 and was accepted to both Harvard and Yale. Not sure that is relevant anymore–but while the schools are much more selective now, the issues are also far less risky now.)
There was one story about a guy who got in by writing about his struggles with atheism and dyslexia.
He described how he would often lie awake at night crying into his pillow wondering if there is a Dog.
Be sure what you write is relevant to an admissions review, reflects the attributes they want to see. When atheism comes up as an essay question on CC, often the problem is that high school kids, who are still forming ideas, want to write with such conviction.
No essay should be about a topic- the essay should be about you - who are you are and where you are going in life.
If atheism is an important part of you, and you feel that your journey to being an atheist shows off your best features to an AdComms, go for it. Just remember to keep the focus on you, not on the topic. Show maturity, avoid cliches and be original. That is harder than it sounds.
I have read many, many studies about HYPSM having a significantly higher proportion of atheists than your average college or university. If it’s a well-written essay about yourself (and not angry or preachy) I would be shocked if atheism hurt you – and among a lot of intellectuals, it’s a respected sign of morality and intelligence.
I would not risk it at openly religious schools, southern state schools, etc. In general, the opposite would be true there.
*** Please note I am speaking in generalities and know there are exceptions ***