Is it a BAD idea to mention religion in your secondaries?

[Dr.Forssmann]

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I've been talking to quite a few people about the subject and i'm worried that there will be some bias against me if i mention my religion. Its still a huge part of who I am and i think its important to mention it. I think it makes me unique.

so i was wondering what do you guys think?

 

[theseeker4]

I've been talking to quite a few people about the subject and i'm worried that there will be some bias against me if i mention my religion. Its still a huge part of who I am and i think its important to mention it. I think it makes me unique.

so i was wondering what do you guys think?

If you have significant EC's that happen to be related to a particular religion, or through a particular religious organization, or at a particular church/mosque/temple/etc., definitely include those ECs. If you mean talking about your personal beliefs, discussing your religion simply in terms of it having a strong influence on you as a person, I think that is risky. You have, in my opinion, too large of a possibility of having your application reviewed by someone who is antagonistic to that particular religion, or all religions in general, for there to be a net benefit of making your religion a major part of your application.

I would definitely avoid discussion of anything that could be viewed as "anti-science" such as creationism, etc. or anything strongly associated with it....

You don't have to pretend to be an atheist, and certainly include meaningful EC's even if they "betray" a particular religions affiliation, but I would avoid making it a major part of my application if I were you.

 

[baxt1412]

If you have significant EC's that happen to be related to a particular religion, or through a particular religious organization, or at a particular church/mosque/temple/etc., definitely include those ECs. If you mean talking about your personal beliefs, discussing your religion simply in terms of it having a strong influence on you as a person, I think that is risky. You have, in my opinion, too large of a possibility of having your application reviewed by someone who is antagonistic to that particular religion, or all religions in general, for there to be a net benefit of making your religion a major part of your application.

I would definitely avoid discussion of anything that could be viewed as "anti-science" such as creationism, etc. or anything strongly associated with it....

You don't have to pretend to be an atheist, and certainly include meaningful EC's even if they "betray" a particular religions affiliation, but I would avoid making it a major part of my application if I were you.

Agreed. It will depend how you frame it and what experience it exactly is. That being said, if it is something that is extremely important to you, then I feel like you should mention it. If a school doesn't accept you based on that alone, then that is probably somewhere you may not want to go.

 

[exmoderpina]

I briefly mentioned religion in the context of "diversity" and coming from a family in which my mom and dad were polar opposites religiously/culturally and how that led to some identity struggles for me, shaped my personality/adolescence in a particular way, etc. I think if it is handled in a mature and relevant way it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[ciestar]

Religion is sometimes thought of as a taboo subject. I'm pretty sure though if you frame it in a good, mature way and not in a "pushing" your beliefs kind of way..you should be alright.

 

[theseeker4]

Agreed. It will depend how you frame it and what experience it exactly is. That being said, if it is something that is extremely important to you, then I feel like you should mention it. If a school doesn't accept you based on that alone, then that is probably somewhere you may not want to go.

I agree with this. If it is that important to you, just make sure you are aware it can negatively impact your chances, and be sure you really would rather not get in there than have to avoid talking about your beliefs.

 

[kthxbai]

I grew up in a state whose existence is based entirely on religion (although I'm agnostic leaning toward atheist). It was a HUGE part of my upbringing, so yeah, it made an appearance in my secondaries.

Do it. Discuss it maturely and dispassionately, but don't be afraid to hide it because some pre-med on this forum tells you it's taboo. For better or for worst, religion is part of EVERYONE'S life - anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool.

 

[Dr.Forssmann]

well i was thinking of framing it in terms of activism that my religion has been persecuted in other countries and that is the reason why my family came to the US in the first place and it inspired me to participate in activities that made me into an advocate for Human rights.

is that appropriate to talk about? i'm just worried that some of the adcoms may just dismiss it because i mention that my beleifs are something different from theirs.

 

[ndafife]

well i was thinking of framing it in terms of activism that my religion has been persecuted in other countries and that is the reason why my family came to the US in the first place and it inspired me to participate in activities that made me into an advocate for Human rights.

That's definitely fine... I think overall you don't want to just say you're "Religion X" for no reason, like you wouldn't just mention your political leanings, unless it was in the context of a meaningful experience that shaped who you are (religious persecution as a reason to immigrate) or strong extracurricular activity (ordained minister, Bible camp counselor, etc...)

 

[knv2u]

It sounds to risky to me. I see no need to bring it up in an essay. Some religion related EC volunteering, etc., wouldn't be a problem. Liberty University COM and Jesuit schools would be potential exceptions.

 

[Dr.Forssmann]

It sounds to risky to me. I see no need to bring it up in an essay. Some religion related EC volunteering, etc., wouldn't be a problem. Liberty University COM and Jesuit schools would be potential exceptions.

what if i don't mention the religion? but focus on the human rights aspect?

 

[knv2u]

what if i don't mention the religion? but focus on the human rights aspect?

I think that would be fine in an essay. For instance, a number of Jesuit organizations offer public and community service. I don't thank that would be a liability at all, and would enhance your application. But I wouldn't start quoting Bible passages. Like any writing, it is important to consider your audience.