<p>I thought bout writing about my experience, connected to the color of this dark brown skinned girl: me:), but I am afraid the college admission people would not get it, and it will look like I am complaining too much since another essay is bout my dad’s death. What should I do? Try sticking to the safe stuff?</p>
<p>Write something interesting and write it well....the college admission people would LOVE to read something not "I tutored disabled kids and spent my summers volunteering....) Don't worry about complaining, if it's too whiney, have someone read it and tell you to edit it.</p>
<p>I dont know. Amherst is really race-sensitive and anything that makes you look like a hater, racist, or controversial will probably not be in your best interest. I agree with the above poster that writing something interesting is important; however, keep in mind that anything too crazy that the admission officer may not understand is not going to work in your favor.</p>
<p>There is a fine line between audacity and inappropriateness that is difficult to discern. I suggest, if you can, to have someone you don't know very well read it first and ask what their impression is. A bold essay could land you an acceptance. But if you're very, very doubtful in the end, don't do it.</p>
<p>I heard it's good to take risk in your essay. But you must judge for yourself.</p>
<p>Be authentic. Write about something that matters to you. Take risks (if you really feel compelled to) but realize that you cannot predict who will read it. Amherst, like most colleges, places high value in being PC, particularly with respect to diversity of ethnicity, race, lifestyle, political viewpoints, and philosophies. The admission staff will tolerate some extreme views as long as they do not encroach on others. I personally would not touch on anything that ends up denigrating another person or group, and would advise thinking vey carefully about how you would approach the subject of racism, if that is what you choose to write about. How would a white, black, or other person of color interpret or misinterpret what you write? Last, remember that your application is your way to present yourself in the best possible light. It is a combination of your writing style, persuasion, insights, passions, and even humor that hopefully can shine through and capture the adcom's attention. I also would advise having at least one literate adult (preferably over 30) take a look at it for content and style. Good luck.</p>
<p>I would think that Amherst is a bit more liberal-minded (not politically but intellectually) about this stuff... given that they seem to be a more intellectually oriented college. If this isn't the case I might have a hard time going there if luckily accepted (but I'm pretty sure it is the case, which is why it's an awesome school :D).</p>
<p>If it makes you feel better, I made a few pretty controversial claim.. and depending on who you ask, my topic could be a bit controversial, or at least the stance I took on it. I mean, as long as you don't look racist or bigoted, its ok.</p>
<p>I did end up writing the controversial piece for the supplement essay, but nothing tht sounded racial. Thanks guys for all the helpful advices.</p>