Is it a good idea to write about my experiences with racism in my college essay?

Writing about your experiences with racism for your college essay can be a powerful and authentic choice—if approached thoughtfully and with purpose. Admissions officers appreciate genuine storytelling, especially when it highlights personal growth, resilience, or a nuanced perspective. Addressing how you've encountered and dealt with racism isn't "too sensitive" as long as you show reflection, growth, and agency rather than focusing solely on hardship.

It’s important that the essay centers on you as a person, not just the challenges you’ve experienced. Colleges are interested in your journey—including what you did in response, how you grew, and how these experiences will shape how you contribute to campus life. For example, rather than simply describing incidents of discrimination, you might focus on a moment when you challenged bias, built an inclusive club, or found an unexpected source of support. Maybe you started leading anti-racism workshops at your school, or perhaps you created art or writing that voiced your experience.

Others have written on similar topics and found success, especially when tying the narrative to what makes them unique beyond the adversity. For instance, a student wrote about confronting racism at their predominantly white school—but the turning point was when they started a multicultural festival, connecting peers through food and music. That made the essay not only about what happened to them, but also what they made happen.

The key is to avoid letting the essay become just a litany of grievances. Instead, show how you’ve turned hardship into action or insight. If you’re worried about the topic being too heavy, balance it with hope or optimism, and explain how these experiences will drive the contributions you want to make in college. Don’t shy away from what’s real for you—admissions readers value authenticity, and many are seeking diverse perspectives.

If you share your story with specificity and purpose, you’ll be seen for your strength, thoughtfulness, and vision, not just the challenges you’ve faced.