Hi CC,
I’ve been thinking about writing my common app essay on the 4th prompt (“Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.”)
My idea is that I’ll describe the dynamic between my roommate, who is a devout Christian, and me, an atheist (I currently attend a boarding school if you’re wondering about why I have a roommate). I would discuss how we come from very different yet very similar worlds in that a large part of his identity comes from his beliefs in religion, whereas my lack of religion is a large part of me. I would talk about how I’ve also attended church but have come to believe in what I do now, despite being in boy scouts (we are both Eagle scouts), an organization that is also defined by its religious values. And because of the differences that we have, I have been given a more profound understanding of our relationship, which has made me to not only look past personal differences, but also to acknowledge and admire others. Thus, I was wondering if this would be too risky of a topic to write about, or if it would be overly trite/cliche and even good at all. Thanks!
My personal opinion is that it is risky, it is really easy to offend people with religious beliefs that don’t match your own. And you don’t know who is on the admissions committees. I’d pick something else.
It could work as long as you showcase yourself and not focus more on the roommate. And of course don’t use this essay for a school with a religious affiliation
Honestly, with topics, it’s not really the topic you choose, but how you support it.
And, also, how your whole resume and high school work supports what you’re writing about.
You want to show them, that whatever you write about, defines you, and is important to you.
You want to be able to show someone that knows you at your school your personal statement, and they should be able to figure out who it is. Because after all, isn’t that what it is? A personal statement!
If this topic of atheism and balancing that with your roommate is a big part of your life, an instrumental part of your life, then write about it!
Don’t judge what your write, because that’s who you are.
Some guidance:
If your best friend were to describe you, how would they?
Take that personality, and show it in your essay.
Nothing more, nothing less, it’s that simple. But notice, i didn’t say that it was easy.
You probably don’t mean it this way, but it could easily sound condescending towards your roommate, or anyone with deeply held religious beliefs in a deity (because you in essence are saying that you like your roommate even though he believes X, which is clearly not true). I agree that you should pick something else.
Not to mention that atheists are reviled by many people in our society. So not only might a deeply religious person feel that you are looking down on their beliefs, they may also look down on yours. it isn’t a useful dynamic in you application process.
I actually think it’s an ok topic, unless you’re applying to a Jesuit school.
As long as it’s respectful to different beliefs, which is what I’m gathering the point is, it might work. Just as long as it isn’t “atheism is the way to go, all religious people are nuts” and that doesn’t sound what you’re driving at, sounds like your main point is that people are shaped a great deal by their religious beliefs or lack thereof. That’s a known and studied fact. Just be careful is all. Good luck!
And obviously not if you’re applying to a religious school.