Religion in Cultural Background Question?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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<p>Hello everyone,</p>

<p>So I've posted a lot on this forum lately because I'm stuck on one essay prompt for the MIT application, and it happens to be the most broad one. The prompt says: "Please tell us more about your cultural background and identity in the space below." </p>

<p>The idea I had at first was good, but I feel like it is too risky. I wanted to talk about how I've been pulled in many directions as far as religion is concerned, since my community is very religious along with some of my family, while my close family is not religious. So I have struggled to understand which faith I fit into. As of now, I identify as a non-religious person. However, I feel like this could be offensive to any religious people who read my application, and that is not the way I want to come off. Would you advise that I do or do not write about this topic? </p>

<p>Thanks, I'm very uncertain right now, so I want to be sure before I write the short essay and send it! This is the only thing keeping me from submitting part 1 of the application.</p>

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<p>I think that is perfectly fine, depending on how you write it. “I’ve since drifted away and decided to live life to the fullest I can, which might mean clashing heads with those who disagree with me” is perfectly respectful. “Wow everyone who believes in _________ is a moron” is not respectful. I think you can tell the difference and make the essay work for you :)</p>

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<p>Thank you @PiperXP! I should have gone to you in the first place :)</p>

<p>And of course I will be respectful with it! It’s just an expression of my identity, not a time for me to comment on others views!</p>

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<p>Does it need to be religion-related? I mean we can write about anything that we consider important for our background right?</p>

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<p>

Nah, you don’t need to worry about that.</p>

<p>

Right. You can write about whatever is important to you. You don’t need to write about religion. You can if you want to, but you don’t need to.</p>