<p>I don't really specify my political views but it's sort of implied that I'm liberal, and I state that I am an atheist, but I make sure to state that I am open to all views and don't necessarily hate all religion and don't fit that ugly stereotype.</p>
<p>I also mentioned that one of my inspirational figures was a controversial polemic and atheist.</p>
<p>Bad idea? I think I wrote it well and I don't come across as a partisan hack, in my opinion.</p>
<p>It’s a bit of a risk because it could antagonize an admissions officer with opposing views, unnecessarily jeopardizing your chances of admission. Show it to your guidance counselor and ask if it’s too much of an opinion-based essay to risk sending.
That being said, use your judgement and try to read it from the perspective of someone who would disagree with these views. The worst-case scenario is that you get an admissions officer who strongly disagrees with the views you’re presenting, so try to see it form their perspective and decide if it’s too antagonizing or if it still seems ok (it’ll be hard but try to pretend you strongly disagree with your opinion).
Good luck!!</p>
<p>I agree that you should show this to an adult who is not part of your family for a reaction–ideally, several adults. Remember that your goal is to show yourself in a good light. Does this essay do that?</p>
<p>MODERATOR’S NOTE: As the above two posters have done, please keep your answers narrowly restricted to answering the OP’s question. No debate about religion or lack of it will be tolerated.</p>