Should I include a controversial book I've read in my personal statement?

I'm wanting to study biochemistry/molecular biology at university. To show an interest, I'm reading a book based on biochemistry. This book is quite controversial as it's called 'the biochemical challenge to evolution'. I'm not religious but I chose to read the book because it caught my eye. Some of the content does point out flaws in evolution, but we are getting off track here.

Obviously you can see why its a bit iffy. Should I say that I've read it in my personal statement? It shows I have an interest and has some amazing technical and uni standard biochemistry in its contents, but I don't want to come across as a creationist and appear unsuited for the course.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you :smile:

Reply 1

Carnationlilyrose

18

Original post by CBMFM99

I'm wanting to study biochemistry/molecular biology at university. To show an interest, I'm reading a book based on biochemistry. This book is quite controversial as it's called 'the biochemical challenge to evolution'. I'm not religious but I chose to read the book because it caught my eye. Some of the content does point out flaws in evolution, but we are getting off track here.

Obviously you can see why its a bit iffy. Should I say that I've read it in my personal statement? It shows I have an interest and has some amazing technical and uni standard biochemistry in its contents, but I don't want to come across as a creationist and appear unsuited for the course.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you :smile:

If you can explain why you think it is worth reading and how it demonstrates your interest in the subject, then do so. Don't imagine that admissions tutors will not have heard of it or that they don't have the capacity to understand the argument you make for reading it. However, don't make it a central part of your ps.

Reply 2

amelialv

2

I know someone who has read Mein Kampf and was going to include that in her personal statement... If this book somehow broadens your understanding, gets you out of your comfort zone and makes you start to think(doesn't matter if you agree with it) then go for it

Reply 3

Trinculo

21

I wouldn't take any risks.

A tutor isn't going to spend ages reading a PS and trying to second guess your motivations. The reaction of the admission tutor could be "wow this guys is well read" or it could be "this guy believes in the Abominable Snowman". I personally wouldn't take the risk.

Reply 4

jape

16

Put it in and mention if you were unconvinced by certain arguments, briefly. For instance, and I'll use the example of something I actually know about;

"The last book I read was Ayn Rand's magnum opus, Atlas Shrugged. While I agree with the author's passionate defences of individualism and capitalism, her full rejection of altruism in all its forms struck me as philosophically unsound. It is telling that there are no children in any of Rand's major works, as the process of raising children is itself a repudiation of Rand's commitment to the self above all else."

Reply 5

Trinculo

21

Original post by amelialv

I know someone who has read Mein Kampf and was going to include that in her personal statement... If this book somehow broadens your understanding, gets you out of your comfort zone and makes you start to think(doesn't matter if you agree with it) then go for it

That's completely different.

If you're applying to read History or Politics, and you say you've read Mein Kampf, that can only be a positive. There's no way it could be interpreted as unsuitability for the course.

However, if you say you've read books on Phantom Time hypothesis or Ancient Astronaut theory, you could be viewed as being an idiot, rather than someone broadening their horizons with alternate non-traditional viewpoints.

Reply 6

amelialv

2

Original post by Trinculo

That's completely different.

If you're applying to read History or Politics, and you say you've read Mein Kampf, that can only be a positive. There's no way it could be interpreted as unsuitability for the course.

However, if you say you've read books on Phantom Time hypothesis or Ancient Astronaut theory, you could be viewed as being an idiot, rather than someone broadening their horizons with alternate non-traditional viewpoints.

No, she is applying to medicine actually

Reply 7

Trinculo

21

Original post by amelialv

No, she is applying to medicine actually

Then I'd leave it out. I'd see it as a waste of my PS space on something that can be of almost no benefit. and a distraction from anything positive.

Reply 8

amelialv

2

Original post by Trinculo

Then I'd leave it out. I'd see it as a waste of my PS space on something that can be of almost no benefit. and a distraction from anything positive.

I wouldn't put in there either, but I guess it adds originality to some extent, showing what a candidate thinks is worth to say/not say

Reply 9

user382

17

Showing an interest in anything and everything will go down well with a university for sure. :wink:

Reply 10

Trinculo

21

Original post by amelialv

I wouldn't put in there either, but I guess it adds originality to some extent, showing what a candidate thinks is worth to say/not say

Depends largely what else a person has or hasn't said about themselves. If a PS isn't strong in general and I've put a controversial book on it, I might run the risk of the tutor saying "this guy wants to read medicine, he's got no evidence of work experience or reading journals, but he's read a bit of Hitler"

But otherwise, I'd agree, it might not do any harm - but the opportunity cost

Reply 11

CBMFM99

OP

13

Thanks for all the advice guys

Reply 12

UniAdmissions

5

Original post by CBMFM99

I'm wanting to study biochemistry/molecular biology at university. To show an interest, I'm reading a book based on biochemistry. This book is quite controversial as it's called 'the biochemical challenge to evolution'. I'm not religious but I chose to read the book because it caught my eye. Some of the content does point out flaws in evolution, but we are getting off track here.

Obviously you can see why its a bit iffy. Should I say that I've read it in my personal statement? It shows I have an interest and has some amazing technical and uni standard biochemistry in its contents, but I don't want to come across as a creationist and appear unsuited for the course.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you :smile:

Hi CBMFM99,

Writing a PS is all about you and what you think, so if you think that particular book is relevant then do mention it. But beware of tricky questions about it! you should be ready to discuss any controversial points in it.
Moreover adding such a book shows a very good quality for scientists: open mindedness. which is the key to good research and novel ideas.

You might want to read this blog, which discuss how to convey your passion for medical subjects.

Hope this help, and don't hesitate to ask if you have any question! :smile:

UniAdmissions

Should I include a controversial book I've read in my personal statement?

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