<p>i'm writing my supplement for pomona college right now, and i might mention underage drinking (on my part). i don't think i will (seeing as my parents will be reading it...) but what do you people think is off limits for college essays? i feel like a lot of my friends are writing about personal stuff so as to make themselves more special in the eyes of the admissions ppl</p>
<p>Do not write about drinking.</p>
<p>do not talk about drugs, alcohol, sex, murder, or violence...</p>
<p>Drinking under 21 is illegal. Just like you wouldn't talk about smoking marijuana, you probably shouldn't talk about underage drinking (unless, you're talking about juvenile alcholism and overcoming it...or something like that).</p>
<p>I agree with the above posters. I'd also say to stay away from topics focusing on politics, religion, and crime. There is a possibility you could make any of these work, but generally they are too controversial.</p>
<p>Cloning and abortion... A little too over-used.</p>
<p>Edit: Sorry. I know you asked about taboo subjects. The two I mentioned aren't taboo, per se. Yeah, the aforementioned sex, violence, drugs, drinking are the main taboo topics I can think of.</p>
<p>interesting answers.... i agree with most</p>
<p>izzyj- not sure if cloning is overused, how many ppl are going to write about their own experiences with cloning??</p>
<p>You probably shouldn't discuss:[ul][<em>]how the college you are applying to really isn't your #1 choice.
[</em>]how you're only interested in prestige, status and ranking.
[<em>]that you really aren't interested in learning anything or making a contribution to society.
[</em>]the ways you cheat, lie and hustle to get ahead in life...unless you are planning a career in business or politics.
[<em>]how you're just going to college to find a husband or wife.
[</em>]that you're a borderline psychotic and/or manic depressive.
[*]that you're a hate monger.[/ul]</p>
<p>Cloning as in for the topic of a local, regional, national, international issue you're interested in or however it is phrased. But, cheesydish, good point. ;)</p>
<p>gsp<em>silicon</em>valley: <em>applauding</em> Intriguing list! </p>
<p>And you probably shouldn't talk about how you're going to college so you can "get away" from your parents cause "life at home stinks with overbearing, controlling freaks".</p>
<p>i guess it was sort of stupid to talk about how i was applying to wellesley to find a husband.....
good list...</p>
<p>Would it be a bad idea to write about a suicidal friend?</p>
<p>I don't think so...so long as it shows your personality and traits...</p>
<p>It's worse to be the suicidal friend...</p>
<p>i disagree about one of the above posters saying religion is taboo. i think if you write well, about how religion has impacted <em>you</em> (in other words, don't preach), then it's an acceptable topic</p>
<p>Best to put religion down as "risky", then?</p>