Would it be better not to use this as an essay topic?

Applying to College
1

<p>I am very focused on the Israeli- Palestinian conflict as my family is Israeli. I have volunteered for many Israeli organizations, raised money, I plan on starting a Middle East information club at my school, and this past summer volunteered for the Israeli army to be on the "frontlines" of the issue so to speak. I am not anti-palestinian in any way and my club is really based on educating people at my school with the facts and discussing ways to alleviate the conflict. I want to write about my experience volunteering for the program but I am afraid since it is a very controversial issue the essay reader will not like that I volunteered for the Israeli army. </p>

<p>What do you think? This was truly a life changing experience for me...</p>

2

<p>Write about it. Avoid forcing the reader to see your side of the debate. Allow the admissions officers to understand how this was life changing for you, rather than what side of the conflict you support. If you approach the essay with an open mind and you are cautious, you should be fine.</p>

3

<p>I agree, write about it. Try to be somewhat impartial and use the essay instead as a way of showing your leadership skills and knowledge about world affairs.</p>

4

<p>Yes, as long as you do not focus on being on a particular side (in case your essay reader has a “Stop the Slaughter: Free Gaza Now!” banner), it should only serve to show who you are. That is the point of the college essay.</p>

<p>Now, did you actually fight for the Israeli army? In that case, someone with Palestinian sentiments may not like that. But college admissions officers don’t discriminate on political views, anyway.</p>

5

<p>Yes. This sounds like it’s your passion so you have to go for it. Read over your essay when you’re done and ask yourself if any reasonable person could possibly be offended by it. Focus mostly on the “finding ways to alleviate the conflict” aspect of your passion. This is an important world topic and I’m sure colleges would like to have someone who is knowledgeable about it be a part of their freshman class.</p>