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Are you currently applying to college using the Common App platform and need to fill in the Common App essay section? You may be wondering if you should talk about politics in your essay. But is a discussion of politics really required? This guide is here to answer this question, so read below for some more details regarding this.
Common App Essay: Should You Write About Politics?
Talking about politics in the Common App essay is not required. The Common App essay is a way for admissions officers to get to know you as a person outside of academics - what makes you "YOU"? They want to know your values, beliefs, identity, how you react to challenges, how you grew as a person, etc.
That being said, although political beliefs can form a part of a student's beliefs and value systems, you should avoid discussing politics in your Common App essay. This is because even though admissions officers are supposed to be neutral, they are also people who have their own beliefs and values. Hence, it is important to avoid taking a political stance in your essay as this could potentially offend some readers who may have a different point of view than you in terms of politics.
It is also advisable to avoid discussing politics as institutions themselves can be more left-leaning (such as liberal arts colleges) or more right-leaning (such as some religious universities). Since your Common App essay is the same essay that gets submitted to multiple colleges, it is important to stay neutral to prevent going against any particular college's beliefs and ensure your application is assessed without bias.
We hope this guide has helped you gain some clarity regarding writing about politics in your Common App essay. Good luck with your college applications!
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