Politics on Your Application
For many students, it is essential to find a community that provides an outlet for activism, a space to engage with others on political topics, and a diverse student body from which to learn and grow. We’ve worked with students who are already politically active in their high schools and hometown communities, who intern with political campaigns, fundraise for social justice and advocacy programs, and volunteer for community-based organizations. In a previous blog post, we discussed tips for identifying a college campus that matches your political values. The question then arises: how do I talk about politics on my application?
We get it. You’ve been told your whole life, “It’s not polite to talk about politics.” And, in some ways, it can be risky to discuss a hot-button issue on your college application. After all, you never know who is going to pick up your application file and what their own values system might be. I used to tell my students: imagine writing your whole college essay about how much you really don’t like Tom Brady, only for the world’s biggest Patriots fan to read your application first. That doesn’t mean you SHOULDN’T write the Tom Brady essay if you’re passionate about it (although I would argue there are better topics out there). But, there’s a way to go about discussing political issues that will showcase both your passion for the topic and your ability to navigate sensitive issues with empathy, critical thinking, and an open mind – all qualities that colleges want students on their campus to have.
Below are our 4 tips for navigating political topics in your college application:
Focus on your involvement – not your beliefs. If you’ve been a participant in a political extracurricular activity or internship, you’ll want to include it in your Activities List on the application! These experiences can be incredibly meaningful and show an awareness of current events and a commitment to bettering your community. However, when describing your role, be sure to focus on what you did, not the political views that might be at play. For example, if you were an intern for a local senator, you don’t need to spell out the senator’s viewpoints or legislative choices. Share all of the hard work you contributed to the team and what opportunities you took advantage of.
Provide Context. The exception to the rule above is when you choose to participate in a political campaign, organization, or activity due to your passion for a topic. For example, maybe you have a real interest in majoring in Environmental Science and a passion for fighting climate change, which is why you interned for a specific political campaign in your state. Maybe you hope to major in political science, so you help register voters on the weekends, or a lifelong hunting and fishing hobby led to a volunteer position teaching safety courses at a local gun range. Share that information! Colleges want to see you exploring your intellectual curiosity and interests outside of the classroom. All of this context helps them understand the “Why” behind your activities.
Leave Room for Nuance. The world is not black and white. There is always space for areas of gray, and colleges will want to see that you understand this nuance, can be open-minded, and show respect for others’ viewpoints. If you choose to take a stance on a political belief in your application essay, be sure to also showcase how you are open to meaningful dialogue and further education on the topic. Expanding your views and being exposed to the opinions of others is part of what college is all about.
Know your Audience. One of the most important aspects of the college search at Premium Prep is “The Match.” We want students to apply to colleges that are the best fit for them: academically, socially, financially, etc. Your political values can also play an important role in determining which school is the best match for you. (We’ve written a blog post on how to identify those schools – you can read it here.) Do your homework on which colleges align with your values and make sure they’re on your list. Don’t make assumptions about a college’s political leanings based on its location, religious affiliation, or status as a liberal arts college (or not).
Once you have a better understanding of the institutional values and the general political leanings of the campus community, you may have a better sense of how well-received your stance might be. And most importantly, you’ll have a better feel for whether that place is a good fit for you and your beliefs.
(Note: Not everyone who works at a particular institution is going to share the same homogenous viewpoint. You’ll want to highlight how you share the college’s values, but still be careful not to disregard or demean the opposite viewpoint!)
Lastly, remember that we’re all human – even admissions officers. No one enjoys having their political beliefs challenged, and you never want to leave someone with a bad taste in their mouth after reading your application. If you’re unsure about what you’ve written, try having a third party (a teacher, coach – or Premium Prep counselor!) read your essay or activity description. Ask for their feedback on how you handled discussing the topic and whether they have any advice for ensuring no one is left feeling offended.
Premium Prep works with a diverse group of students and families with a wide variety of religious beliefs, political identities, and cultural backgrounds. We are here to be a resource for you as you navigate these complex questions on your applications. Contact us to get started.