<p>Is it a smart idea to expand on my religious affiliations and beliefs in the personal essay part of my common app essay?</p>
<p>Maybe some members of the AdCom are like hardcore atheists, who would come at me like a spider monkey on crack if I were to say "God bless you" when they sneeze..</p>
<p>…no</p>
<p>I wouldn’t. From what I can tell, most college admins are left of center, with many being far, far left of center. In addition, religion is often looked down upon by the academic elite. Why risk it?</p>
<p>I think if you keep it more geared toward how your religion has shaped and changed your life it should be okay. Your essays are all about how who you are and how you’ve arrived at that person, so if religion was a major factor it could actually make for a good essay. Just make sure not to be too preachy or somehow badmouth unbelievers/other religions/etc in it. Remember, atheist does not equal religion hater.</p>
<p>I would stray away from that subject unless you think it’s absolutely the best one you can think of and/or has DRAMATICALLY changed your life.</p>
<p>If you write about your religion, it shouldn’t be about the actual tenets or belief system but how your religion has contributed to shaping you into the student that you are today.</p>