<p>I'm applying to a college and one of the prompts is "An idea that challenges me..." I wanted to write about how typical it is to see kids who have the same beliefs (religious, political) as their parents when they have a mind of their own. Do you think I would come off as a rebel in this essay? How would I be able to not come off as so? This school is deemed very liberal, so as an example in my essay, I wanted to mention how my parents are staunch conservatives but after evaluating my own beliefs, I find myself to be more liberal. </p>
<p>I think that is a really good idea. One of my essays to UNC was about my observations of the way children are taught religion and how much they believe in religion as adults. The point being is that the stuff that I wrote in my essay basically showed that I was pretty liberal (even though I didn’t come right out and say it) and I was accepted (granted I am instate and did have decent numbers). I think what your doing by showing yourself and your views as a counterexample to the idea is pretty brilliant. It helps the admission officers see who you are. Just make sure that you don’t come off as being a rebel just for the sake of being a rebel or the admission officers will see you as really immature. Also, do not discuss any particular polarizing political views on certain topics because that may turn an admission officer off. Basically saying your a liberal is one thing, but saying you support gay marriage and abortion is another. Focus on the whole children have a mind of their own thing and you will have plenty for a short answer essay. Good luck!</p>
<p>Is the school Wake Forest? I think I remember reading that question on their application. </p>
<p>Anyway, I wouldn’t really worry about revealing your political leanings in a college application (so long as you won’t be obnoxious about it, and in your case it doesn’t sound like you will be). Although you’ve heard that the campus tends to be liberal, that’s not going to matter in your application. There’s a chance your reader will be liberal, there’s a chance your reader will be conservative, and there’s also a (statistically high) chance that your reader will be moderate or not care at all. Regardless of their own political philosophy, they likely won’t be considering it when deciding whether to admit you. </p>
<p>What will show through (if you write your essay well) is that you are a critical thinker who isn’t worried about thinking differently from those around you. However, you might want to include a “to be sure” paragraph to cover your bases and make sure you don’t sound to radical, and you want to avoid being critical of those who have similar beliefs to their parents. Most people learn their values from their parents, and if you find fault with that, you may come across as rebellious.</p>