UVA has a required prompt: “what work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you and in what way”
I used a book that challenged my religious beliefs but in the end taught me how to not follow my religion. In other words, I now understand how to be a good religous person and understand the charteristics of a bad religious person and how to avoid them. This brings me to my question:
Should I avoid the topic of faith/religion? I asking because in the admissions panel, you would expect there to be many different beliefs- Muslim, Christian, Jewish, atheist, agnostic etc. I’m worried that i could contradict an admissions beliefs and if could reflect poorly on my application.
If you’re talking about how the book challenged your own religious convictions, it’s probably fine- the problem would be if you questioned or denigrated a Faith that’s not your own. It sounds like an interesting essay to read- thats JMO
Your comments make me think that you were not solid enough in your own beliefs regarding something as important as your faith to have one book change it all for you. That makes me think you aren’t secure and grounded. (please do not get angry…you asked)
I don’t think writing about religion is bad but in the context that you have described here, my first thought is “easily influenced.” That’s not really a good thing.
@Empireapple - Easily influenced or Flexible. Could go either ways. If they are trying as hard as they claim, to give every kids the best shot, then it’d be the latter.
It’s your essay; do with it what you please. But if your faith could be shaken that easily, it doesn’t sound as though it was very deeply held in the first place.
I don’t think that this essay, based on what we’ve seen of it, gives the reader a reason to say yes to your application.
