<p>I started college as a religious fundamentalist, and an active member of New York State’s Conservative Party, planning to major in philosophy. The essays in my application spoke of being willing to test my views (religious as well as political).</p>
<p>A third of a century later, I’m a registered Democrat, and an atheist. I tested my views, and found them wanting.</p>
<p>How confident are you in your convictions? Are you really willing to put them to the test, knowing you could actually change your mind about things that are important to you now? </p>
<p>Is the strength of your faith such that you are not willing to put it to the test?</p>
<p>There’s nothing facetious about these questions, by the way. My own journey (intellectual and religious) was extremely painful, but necessary, in my view.</p>
<p>There are safer things to study in college, if you’re afraid you’re not really up to the test.</p>