<p>Okay, so I am a Republican. If I express in my applications that I was Chairman of the Republican club in my HS, and it is something that I am passionate about, would it possibly hurt my chances of getting in?</p>
<p>I don't know how well liberal admissions officers would look at that kind of thing.</p>
<p>As much as they say it doesn't matter to them, and as much as it shows dedication and passion, you can't ignore the subconscious effect it is having on them. However, if politics are doing more than pushing a very iffy candidate to a no, the officer probably won't be doing admissions. I would advise to do it.</p>
<p>Do not, though, take my advice as truth. Listen to the input of others before you decide.</p>
<p>I have the same dilemma regarding religion. I'm an atheist, and can very strongly support my views ... but I'm unsure if I should mention it in the essay. The adcoms may not acquiesce... for all I know, they could be Catholic!</p>
<p>^ Yea, I think religion might be more touchy/ a turn off with certain people than party affiliation would.</p>
<p>Do a search. There have been several threads on this very question.</p>
<p>Personally, I think the most important thing is that you not insult the views of others. Talking about your own involvement with a conservative club is very different from liberal-bashing, and the latter is certainly more likely to offend liberals reading your application.</p>
<p>Back when I did applications, I wrote an essay about my involvement with the ACLU. It didn't seem to hurt me. To be fair, though, I wasn't applying to any notably conservative colleges.</p>
<p>I'm reminded of my high school US history teacher. He was pretty far left (supported the Green party). He was the sponsor of the school's Young Democrats, Gay-Straight Alliance, and Amnesty International chapter.</p>
<p>When the sponsor for the Young Republicans left, they couldn't get a new one (the liberal teachers didn't want them and the conservative ones were too busy)...until he took them on. He said that he disagreed passionately with their views but that he was thrilled to see high schoolers getting involved in politics and activism and wanted to make sure that they would be able to continue to do so.</p>
<p>Do it. If a school rejects you because of your political views, it's probably not right for you anyways. There was a similar thread here about a communist in the same situation.</p>
<p>
[QUOTe]
for all I know, they could be Catholic!
[/QUOTE]
The horror! ;)</p>
<p>Honestly, we see loads of essays about political and theological topics. On top of that, part of our job, along with admitted qualified students, is assembling an interesting, diverse class. If we only admitted students who fell in line with a certain belief system, we might have a homogeneous class in some respects.</p>
<p>Your viewpoint isn't going to be an issue unless you're applying to a school with a very specific mission that runs counter to your beliefs (which probably won't happen, right?). </p>
<p>I'd be more concerned with setting yourself apart from the large group of kids who will also be writing about your topic.</p>
<p>Thanks, Dean J. I also plan on applying to UVA (OOS)...</p>