dauntlessthedrab

I keep reading about how your essay should reveal a part of yourself to the admissions officer, really show something personal. The best thing that I can think of is to talk about my "coming out" as an atheist. Is this an appropriate topic? Is it too risky? What if the person reading it is a die hard fundamentalist evangelical christian or some other religion that will take offense to this? I would appreciate your thoughts and advice.

quaere

Obviously it's not a good choice for a school with a religious affiliation or a pretty conservative reputation. But for other schools, IMHO, if you can explain it in a way that's well-reasoned and doesn't insult those who don't share your beliefs, then there's no reason for your reader to take offense. It can also illuminate the way you think and your approach to life. Just make sure you get reliable people to read it over.

dauntlessthedrab

Yeah, I will not be applying to any religiously affiliated schools. Obviously I won't insult theists, and hopefully it will be able to convey my love of critical thinking, logic, respectful debate, my openness to all ideas, being able to see both sides of an issue, etc. And it is also a way for a white male to add diversity to a campus; colleges being an exchange of different ideas.

angelutza

You are perfectly right. After all, it's your opinion, and nobody can judge an opinion, but your arguments and the way you think about it.