<p>I’m breaking my New Year’s resolution by posting; so be it. I’d like to answer the 3 questions that I proposed at the beginning of this thread based on what I’ve read so far and on my own personal opinions and biases.</p>
<p>Do you think opinions on current politics and political figures are appropriate interview questions?</p>
<p>In an “ideal” world where interviewers and their colleges/universities are impartial, these questions would be appropriate and interesting. But in the “real” world as I see it, the answer would be no.</p>
<p>What is the best response if you suspect that your opinions may clash with those of the interviewers?</p>
<p>I am particularly fond of HImom’s answer, where she suggested debating both sides of the issue and not appearing dogmatic.</p>
<p>If you agree or disagree with the interviewer’s opinions, do you think that will help or hurt you in the admissions process?</p>
<p>Here I tend to agree with apumic who sugested that interviewers tend to prefer those who agree with them.</p>
<p>I’d also like to thank the “conservative” students who posted. It is relatively easy to write heartfelt posts when you know that you are in the majority; but it takes a lot more courage to post when you are in the minority. </p>
<p>People in this country are allowed to form their own opinions and should not be penalized from expressing them as long as they do it in a respectful manner; that is my opinion.</p>