Colleges do want you to have strong beliefs that you’re willing to stand for, and some essay questions give you the opportunity to do just that. Still, it’s best to avoid especially polarizing topics such as religion, abortion, and other hot-button debates.
Should I write about religion in my college essay?
Here’s another key tip to keep in mind for your college applications, from College Essay Guy Ethan Sawyer! The short answer is this: it’s okay to discuss religion in your essay as long as the take-away (or values) promoted in the essay are universal.
What should you not write your college essay on?
College Essay Topics to Avoid
- Controversial Topics. Controversial topics, such as current political hot buttons, should be avoided at all costs.
- Highly Personal Topics.
- Personal Achievements and Accomplishments.
- Most Important Place or a Role Model.
- Creative Writing.
- Athletic Topics.
- Humorous Topics or Jokes.
- Tragic Events.
Is it okay to lie in your college essay?
Although writing about yourself might appear as a slippery slope, you must always strive to stick to the truth and avoid telling lies. Writing about yourself can be a slippery slope, which is why it is best to stick to the truth and leave the lies behind.
Do colleges care about religion?
However, generally, there will be no reason for a college to discriminate on the basis of religion. Indeed, even parochial or faith-based schools often accept applicants from outside the faith.
Can I write about addiction in my college essay?
Likewise, if a story arc of addiction and recovery is an essential part of your past, it may be a worthy topic to tackle. However, students should never mention casual use of drugs or alcohol. It sounds like obvious enough advice, but you’d be surprised…
Do colleges know if you lie?
Colleges know how to spot inconsistencies in your application. They notice when things you say don’t match with what your teachers or counselors say in the letters of recommendation. And colleges won’t hesitate to call your counselor to verify information that doesn’t seem right. They don’t do it to catch you in a lie.
How do I make my college essay stand out?
A standout college essay has several key ingredients: A unique, personally meaningful topic. A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook. Specific stories and language that show instead of telling.
Can a college essay be too personal?
It needs to give the reader a clear sense of who you are as a person; it’s a way to let the college that you are applying to know all about you. But, occasionally College Counselors and Essay Specialists read personal essays that are a little too personal.
What do colleges look for in an essay?
As part of the college application process, colleges ask prospective students for a personal essay in order to learn more about them. They want to see context on each student’s background, positive traits that the student could bring to campus, and examples of the student demonstrating those qualities.
Do you have to tell the truth in college essays?
While writing your essay, there’s no need to stretch the truth. The essay is your chance to let your own voice come through your application: don’t waste it on lies. Your first thought when brainstorming ideas should not be about how legendary or heartbreaking your essay can be.
What happens if you lie on Common App?
If adcoms find out that you lied on your application before the decision date, chances are your application will be rejected. If they find you after you’ve been accepted, then your application could be rescinded.
Can a university ask your religion?
Under the law (ARS 15-1862), a public university or community college: Cannot discriminate against a student on the basis of the student’s religious viewpoint, expression or belief.
Does Notre Dame consider religion?
We are a Catholic institution, but all faiths practiced within our community are welcomed and supported. Notre Dame has one of the largest campus ministry organization in the country and our Campus Ministry serves all faiths through Masses, faith sharing groups, and retreats.
Does Notre Dame prefer Catholic students?
By the numbers, 80% of students at Notre Dame identify as Catholic, and 42% of students come from Catholic high schools, so being a practicing Catholic is clearly not required for admission.
Is it OK to talk about depression in a college essay?
College Transitions bottom line
If you are going to discuss your depression, anxiety, or other mental condition in your application, do so in a strategic manner for the purpose of illuminating otherwise unexplained inconsistencies in your academic record.
Can I talk about bullying in college essay?
Of course it is. You can write about bullying, coming out, political opinions, death and loss, depression, anxiety, drugs, religion, or any other sensitive topic in your college essay. In fact, you can write anything you want as long as you have a good reason for doing so.
Should I write college essay ADHD?
If you chose to disclose, it is often helpful to write about your experiences with ADHD in your college essay giving a clear picture of the ways you have dealt with areas of weakness, as well as sharing about your strengths and interests.
Can colleges see your Google searches?
Colleges have no way to access your search history during the application process. They don’t have any access to your computer, laptop, or phone and you aren’t using their wifi. They can’t access your search history nor do they want to. Colleges don’t care about what you search on your own time.
Do colleges check social media?
Yes, colleges can look at the public version of your social media accounts, but they don’t have some sort of secret, government-like power to access your private information. It’s much more likely that your social media behavior would only be brought to their attention if it causes a stir.
Do people exaggerate on college apps?
As college admissions become ever more competitive, with the most elite schools admitting only 4 percent or 5 percent of applicants, the pressure to exaggerate, embellish, lie and cheat on college applications has intensified, admissions officials say.
