<p>I am planning to apply to PhD genetics program. And in my statement of purpose, I want to use Buddhism as a major theme when I talk about why I want to pursue study in this field. and My dad is trying everything to stop me from doing this.</p>
<p>according to him, most americans are some form of judeo-christians and do not like Buddhism. and I think many, if not most, faculty members, especially scientists, should be atheists, and at least agnostic. (by the way, I’m asian canadian)</p>
<p>I think using my Buddhist spirituality to introduce my motivations for genetics study would make a great admission essay. what do you guys think? should I really refrain from talking about religions?</p>
<p>(besides, i dont really consider Buddhism a religion, since I don’t believe in any deity, and I don’t really care about Buddha. Buddhism is just a spiritual philosophy to me.)</p>
<p>It could be interesting but do not let this theme get in the way of explaining exactly how you are qualified for the program, your motivations, career goals and plans. This isn’t an undergrad admissions essay where a hook means everything.</p>
<p>As an Buddhist-leaning atheist who grew up in the midwest (Kansas, to be specific), I can tell you that any presentation of non-traditional spirituality is risky to your chances of social acceptance, let alone professional acceptance. It is far from fair, but sadly, that doesn’t change the reality.</p>
<p>I think you may wish to consider the universities to which you are applying. If you are shooting for midwestern or southern universities like Ohio State, Tennessee, Oklahoma, or even Illinois, there is a greater chance that the sensibilities of an admissions reader may be put on edge by the presentation of non-Christian spirituality.</p>
<p>Of course, even that statement is a little too broad. To be sure, take the time to look over the institution’s mission statement, course offerings, as well as the faculty’s bios. These elements should give you a better idea of the level of social progressivism on campus. The University of California at Berkeley may just love a statement that the University of California at Fullerton may not.</p>
<p>I think the fact that you are conceiving of your statement of purpose as an “admissions essay” is leading you to draw the wrong conclusions.</p>
<p>Most professors (we who will be reading your SOP) have no interest in your personal life. Really. We are interested in your academic background, your academic and career goals, and our job is to make decisions about your potential to succeed in our program, and your suitability for the academic profession in general.</p>
<p>I would honestly advise against mention of one’s religion (or personal philosophy, or anything of the sort) in an SOP. This is NOT because Buddhism is off-putting. To most reasonably educated persons, it is not off-putting in the least. Rather, it is because devoting space to non-academic matters in an SOP is a waste of valuable space, and could lead some committee members to doubt the writer’s judgment.</p>