Is my supplement essay too controversial?

College Essays
1

My extended essay for my UChicago supplement is mainly about how science determines who we are, and has some atheist undertones. My mother (who has very different spiritual beliefs than me) said that although she disagreed with it, the essay itself was good and not too controversial. However, she did have a problem with one sentence: “There is no part of me, even my soul, that cannot be explained with science.” She suggested I change the word “soul” because admissions officers might have a strong emotional reaction to the word.

I really like using the word “soul” (especially because it was used earlier in the essay), and I think it will make my essay stand out, but I don’t want to offend anyone and possibly damage my chances of getting in. None of my other essays are controversial in any way.

Thoughts?

2

It’s certainly deeply convicted, but I don’t know if it’s even necessary. Out of context from the essay, it seems like it’s trying to elicit a reaction that doesn’t come across well.

I’d listen to your mother and change it. As much as UChicago likes weird, out-there people (in a good way!), this might very well offend someone who’s reading it (or at least make them do a double-take).