Too controversial of an essay topic?

ep1th3t · 02-10-2008, 09:59 PM

I'm thinking of writing one of my essays on how it was for me, a homosexual, to grow up in the South (specifically, Georgia). I'm not sure how this will be taken by colleges. What do you think?

bulldogbull · 02-11-2008, 03:23 AM

Honestly, that's a great topic.

20LEGEND · 02-11-2008, 03:26 AM

Too risky.

mysterious · 02-11-2008, 10:48 AM

I think it is a very interesting topic. I would love to read it myself! But it is risky, that's true. Sometimes risky essays increase your chances, sometimes they do the contrary. It's up to you, if you're willing to take the risk, then I'd say go for it, you can't know, maybe it may be really positive for your application. Depends on who reads it, if you ask me. Last year, a representative from Amherst College came to my school to give a speech about college essays and told us that he read many essays with controversial topics. He said as long as you keep it calm and write sincerely, and as long as it doesn't have language in it which can offend the reader in some way, it's fine. Who knows, maybe you'll really click with the reader. (Or maybe not.)
Okay, long post, maybe a few unnecessary comments, sorry

I hope this helps.
Btw, I would really love to read your essay, if you decide to stick with this subject that is. If you would let me.. Good luck!

dntw8up · 02-11-2008, 12:04 PM

The topic would be great for some schools and a turn-off for others.

bulldogbull · 02-11-2008, 02:44 PM

This is not risky for Dartmouth, seriously. This place absolutely loves that kind of stuff. It would be a fantastic topic to write about.

sonachowdhary · 02-11-2008, 03:01 PM

Interesting topic to write about. I'd like to read it =]
As mysterious said.. if you are willing to take the risk, go for it

ep1th3t · 02-11-2008, 04:09 PM

Thanks everyone. It's funny, but a few people are actually telling me that the topic is a bit redundant and even cliche. Does anybody have any other topics on the theme of homosexuality that I haven't thought of? Regardless, if I don't decide to write it, it won't be because of the controversy. and if I do write it, I will send it to those who wish to read and proof it.

bulldogbull · 02-11-2008, 08:06 PM

I think it's a great topic, and don't believe that it's cliche at all. It's a presumably a personal account of *your* experiences growing up as a homosexual in the South. I don't see how this is a controversial topic in the slightest...I see it as a very appropriate, fitting, personal topic that would give the admissions office an opportunity to learn more about who you are as an individual, and how you are unique. After all, that is exactly the point of the essay. I really think it's a great topic - but if you feel uncomfortable about writing about it, then don't - you need to feel comfortable with your essay and have your voice come through as genuine. It sounds to me like you can make this work very well, and very effectively though. Best of luck to you.

rmadden15 · 06-11-2008, 12:17 PM

Ha, I am writing a essay about being bisexual in a very conservative north-western VA town. It is a great topic, because being part of the LGBTQ society is such a big part of a person that writing about it is about the most natural topic one could write about. If you do this right, meaning don't be too whiny(but you can a little becasue you are gay

) and some positive stuff, you will greatly boost your chances towards getting into Dartmouth, but don't do it because it is also MY dream school, lol.