Politics in College Essays: 7 Ways to Get It Right

Our Collegewise counselors often get questions about whether or not they should write about politics in their college essay. You can even broaden that question to religion, current events, or any other topic that might spark competing views. Is it OK to write about it, or is it too risky?

Writing a college essay about politics can feel like walking a tightrope. Much has happened in the world in recent years that has you feeling passionate about your values and views, but you've likely heard conflicting advice about whether politics in college essays is a good topic. Understanding how to write about political beliefs, potentially polarizing views, or personal experiences is challenging, but when executed correctly, it can be tremendously rewarding.

Can You Write about Politics in College Essays?
When Politics in College Essays Can Hurt Your Application
7 Ways to Go Right about Politics in College Essays
Is a Political College Essay The Right Choice for You?

Key Takeaways

Politics can work, as long as you keep it personal. Admissions officers are less concerned with your political stance as they are with how your experiences and views shape your values, growth, and character.
Avoid turning your college essay into a political manifesto or an attempt to persuade the application reader. Prioritize reflection over simply stating your opinion on a specific matter.
Once you've reflected on their potential topic and how you hope to shape their essay, spend time researching each college you plan to apply to. Some colleges have religious affiliations or guiding principles that may clash with what you're discussing.

Can You Write about Politics in College Essays?

Certainly. If politics has played a significant role in your life, writing about it would make a compelling story. For example, say you're an international applicant interested in Harvard University, you may want to write about Harvard's legal action and the administration's attempted ban on international students.

No matter what a student writes about, these kinds of essays can demonstrate character traits many colleges look for in applicants, such as a level of leadership, critical thinking, and the ability to engage with the world around them.

When Politics in College Essays Can Hurt Your Application

The danger comes when students focus on a political issue more than what they've learned or how it has impacted their experiences. Admissions officers aren't interested in knowing where you stand politically; they are interested in knowing how you reflect, respond, and connect these experiences to who you are and who you hope to become.

Remember, admissions officers want to know who you are, but they also expect a level of professionalism. So, if your essay reads more like a Twitter rant, is one-dimensional, or fails to consider the thoughts and feelings of others, you may want to consider another topic.

7 Ways to Go Right about Politics in College Essays

There is no fail-safe, yes-or-no answer to the question of whether college essays about political matters are a good or bad idea. But here are a few guidelines if you’re considering writing about a potentially divisive topic.

1. Apply to the right colleges.

It should go without saying that you should be mindful of the type of colleges you’re applying to. Some schools have established religious affiliations or prevailing ideologies. If your essay clearly flies in the face of those things, a reader can’t help but wonder if that’s the right place for you. Maybe you want to attend college with people who believe the same things you believe? Or maybe you want to be exposed to different ways of thinking? Whatever your preference, make sure the colleges you select align with the learning and community that you’re seeking.

2. Show that you’ve made an effort to learn.

You don’t get a lot of extra credit just for having a strong opinion (that’s available to anyone, informed or not). But it takes effort and curiosity to learn about the issue you feel passionately about. Have you studied this in class, talked with your teacher, read books, or otherwise made an effort to learn about this? If so, make those efforts clear in the essay. Colleges respect students who’ve worked to understand the complexities of an issue or belief. And a demonstrated track record of learning shows that you’ll likely keep making those efforts in college.

3. Have you walked your talk?

It’s one thing just to say that you believe strongly in gun control, the pro-life movement, health care reform, etc. It’s another thing to actually commit time to supporting that belief. Maybe you’ve volunteered for a campaign, or presided over a related club, or worked in a free clinic. Most colleges will acknowledge and appreciate the student who goes beyond just believing something and actually walks their talk to forward their cause.

4. Are you open to other viewpoints?

It’s possible to believe strongly in something while simultaneously remaining interested in different points of view. Whenever possible and appropriate, show colleges that you’ve considered how and why other people feel differently about this subject. If you’ve heard arguments on the other side that you think are valid, acknowledge them. Most colleges appreciate the vision of very different students actively sharing with—and learning from—each other. An interest in opposing viewpoints doesn’t show weakness in your resolve. It just shows that you’re mature enough to understand not only that the world is a complex place, but also that there’s always more you can learn about it.

5. The goal isn't to prove a point, but to show your character.

This goes for any college essay topic: the topic itself is less important than how the story is told. Your political belief isn't as important as the qualities they reveal about your character. At the end of the day, colleges want to make sure they're admitting students who want to be on campus, who will thrive in their environment, and who add value to their culture. Does your essay address all these areas?

6. Keep your tone respectful and considerate.

You can be passionate about something while still keeping space for anyone who may not agree. We like to remind students that admissions officers are real people who really read your essay. While students have no control over who is on the other side of their application, they should be mindful of what they say, the weight of their words, and how their essay might come across to anyone who reads it outside their close circle. More often than not, students who prioritize this point when writing about a potentially polarizing topic demonstrate maturity and open-mindedness that goes a long way in the eyes of an admissions officer.

7. Have you had time to reflect on the topic you plan to discuss?

Sometimes it's best to discuss things after you've had a chance to process them. Writing too soon about an event, experience, or debate can lead to a reactionary essay rather than a reflective one. Give yourself time to think about what happened, why it matters to you, and what you learned from it.

Is a Political College Essay the Right Choice for You?

The great thing about the Common App's personal essay prompts is that they give students variety in what they can write about. While politics can be a powerful topic, it can also be tricky for many students. Here are steps you can take to ensure the political essay you submit is at the highest caliber:

Create a general outline of how you hope to structure your essay.
Do research on each of your colleges to learn more about their political, religious, or social affiliations.
Run your essay topic and outline by a trusted adult for a balanced perspective.
Read your essay aloud to yourself or someone you trust to address any areas that need more attention.

Remember, the topic isn't what's important to admissions officers. What's important is what the topic means to you and how it's shaped you to be the student who may step foot onto their campus.

About Us: With more than twenty-six years of experience, Collegewise counselors and tutors are at the forefront of the ever-evolving admissions landscape. Our work has always centered on you: the student. And just like we’ve always done, we look for ways for you to be your best self - whether it’s in the classroom, in your applications or in the right-fit college environment. Our range of tools include counseling, test prep, academic tutoring, and essay management, all with the support of our proprietary platform, leading to a 4x higher than average admissions rates.