“It’s not polite to talk about politics” — a phrase many students have heard throughout their lives. 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. Imagine writing your entire college essay about why you really don’t like Tom Brady, only for the world’s biggest Patriots fan to read it first. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write about a topic you’re passionate about — even if it’s political.

As college application season approaches, students across the country are grappling with how to present themselves to admissions committees. For many, a critical part of their identity is their involvement in political activism and community engagement. But with the polarized nature of politics today, the question of whether to discuss political beliefs in a college application can feel particularly fraught.

At Premium Prep College Counseling, a national private college counseling firm, counselors are seeing an increasing number of students who are already politically active in high school. These students are interning with political campaigns, fundraising for social justice and advocacy programs, and volunteering for community-based organizations. The challenge for these students is how to communicate their political involvement in a way that enhances their application rather than risks alienating admissions officers.

The key is how you frame the discussion. There is 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.

Four strategies for discussing politics in your college application:

• Focus on Your Involvement — Not Your Beliefs: If you’ve been a participant in a political extracurricular activity or internship, make sure to include them in your Activities List on the application. These experiences show your awareness of current events and commitment to improving your community. When describing your role, emphasize what you did, rather than the political beliefs involved. For example, if you interned for a local senator, highlight your contributions without delving into the senator’s specific viewpoints.
• Provide Context Around Your Involvement: For students whose political involvement stems from a deep-seated passion, providing context is crucial. For example, maybe you’re interested in majoring in Environmental Science and interned with a climate change campaign. Or perhaps a lifelong hobby in hunting and fishing led you to volunteer at a local gun range teaching safety courses. It’s important to 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: Premium Prep’s approach to the college search emphasizes “The Match” — finding schools that are the best fit for students, academically, socially, and politically. Your political values can also play an important role in determining which school is the best match for you. (Premium Prep has also written a post on how to identify those schools — you can read it here.) It’s important to research 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.

A Delicate Balance

Navigating political topics in a college application requires a delicate balance. Premium Prep counselors remind students that while it’s important to share how they align with a college’s values, it’s equally crucial to avoid dismissing or demeaning opposing viewpoints. It’s important to remember that admissions officers are human, too. If you’re unsure about what you’ve written, have a third party — like a teacher, coach, or a 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.

As more students seek to incorporate their political identities into their college applications, the counselors at Premium Prep are ready to guide them through the complexities of these discussions. They work with students from diverse backgrounds and are here to be a resource as families navigate these complex application questions. Contact Premium Prep today to get started.