political bias with adcoms?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I'm applying as a junior transferring to several schools, some conservative and some liberal. I'm a poli sci major and I lean quite left. I have a personal statement essay on an interesting topic thats about my life and past..blah blah blah. I don't talk about my politics in it however. </p>

<p>The thing is, I run a political web-site. It show my "passion" for government and my chosen major. A huge understatement would be to say that it shows my bias. </p>

<p>Is it a good idea to list this(by name) on my apps? I would like to b/c it shows my commitment to my beliefs, reflects my hard work, and communicates something about me that isn't otherwise explained in my apps. However, IF it can hurt me at the most selective ones I'm applying to, it doesn't seem worth it. </p>

<p>Opinions?</p>

2

<p>it wont hurt you</p>

3

<p>whats the link? we'll let u know</p>

4

<p>look at his name foo</p>

5

<p>LOL its ok, we're supposed to be democratic when we're young.</p>

6

<p>that's a sloppy site, I personally would not include it.</p>

7

<p>how bought this, just dont include politics in your statement</p>

8

<p>i just looked at the site; i wouldn't include it either. it says very little of any substance and is just anti-conservative, anti-republican banter. example) the quote from john roberts was clearly taken out of context and just plastered onto the front page. </p>

<p>And then you include Pat Robertson, which is just insulting to anybody sensible - democrat or republican. The guy's a radical and yet you link him with other respected politicians/judges.</p>

<p>Make no mistake about it, I'm not saying this because I'm a Republican or a conservative by any measure. I'm just someone whose annoyed by nonsense.</p>

<p>I made my comment earlier - that it won't hurt you - with the assumption that you would be able to logically articulate your views. Everybody respects that, even if they don't agree, and admissions committee's would too.</p>

9

<p>I'm writing something in my some of my essays about how the Kerry/Edwards campaign catalyzed my interest in politics, and how I believe the Democratic party fights for good governance... I don't bash conservatives or even mention them at all.... something like THAT won't hurt me, right?</p>

10

<p>some adcoms will not like to know your political view, some will like it, some wont care, you never know.</p>

11

<p>...just hope they don't look at the pictures link on the website...</p>

12

<p>yeah, it needs a lot of work and substance and is in its infant stages. I wouldn't submit it in its current form to even the most liberal, anti-conservative schools. but, i have 2-3 months to add content, which i plan to do and this is why i didnt post a link asking for feedback on specific contents. the question was regarding sharing that i hold particular beliefs - which haven't yet been posted for the most part- and whether being vocal about specifics can hurt. </p>

<p>as for now, it is mostly satirical and should be taken lightly. judging by answers given b4 viewing i think i will give the address, given that it is more substantial by the time it'll be viewed.</p>

13

<p><a href="http://www.uspforum.org%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.uspforum.org&lt;/a> . Thats my site. if you wanna work together with me to expand this site and include it in your apps, feel free to PM.</p>

14

<p>I'd be careful about anything political. I was hated at Mount Union because I am a Republican.</p>

15

<p>ok, but you got in. That's the point</p>

16

<p>Many schools have policies where they cannot discriminate based on political preferences. I think most adcoms keep something like that in mind.</p>

17

<p>Theoretically, if you wrote an essay for SMU, William and Mary, Vanderbilt about how Dubya was your hero and you wrote an essay for Barnard, Harvard, Tufts about how Barack Obama was your hero, would that be better than vice versa?</p>

18

<p>no. Honestly, a lot of varying factors kill any "political bias effect." As long as you show you are reasonable with your views, you can succeed regardless of political affiliation. This is a no brainer. </p>

<p>The fact you are a conservative could be appealing to adcoms at a liberal school who want to add a little diversity.</p>

19

<p>
[quote]
The fact you are a conservative could be appealing to adcoms at a liberal school who want to add a little diversity.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>No, the liberalism is self-perpetuating; why do you think the preponderance of academics identify as liberals?</p>

<p>
[quote]
Theoretically, if you wrote an essay for SMU, William and Mary, Vanderbilt about how Dubya was your hero and you wrote an essay for Barnard, Harvard, Tufts about how Barack Obama was your hero, would that be better than vice versa?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That over-simplifies the entire admissions process; American politics is, once again, not well regarded in academia. That you are politically sophisticated does not place you above the typical political sycophant.</p>

20

<p>If American politics are not "well regarded" in academia, I'm not sure why there are entire majors devoted to it at some of the best schools in the country. If you mean it's not well regarded in the general academic arena, I could care less, that's not why I want to pursue a career in politics.</p>