<p>I know that being a racial or religious minority helps (somewhat) in the college application process.
I am white and Jewish, so that doesn't really help me...</p>
<p>I am, however, openly gay. Out of 400 students at my high school, 5 are openly lgbt. I am also the president of our Gay-Straight Alliance and politically active in a gay rights group outside of school.
Although I am not your "stereotypical" lesbian, I identify very strongly with being gay and the gay community.</p>
<p>Because I don't intend on applying to religiously affiliated schools, I don't think any of this would hurt me. But, would this aid me at all in the college process?
If someone had an identical application, but was straight, would this aid me?</p>
<p><strong>I know that ultimately GPA and other things of a similar nature matter more than this, I was just wondering if this matters at all.</strong></p>
<p>I do not think that the fact that you are openly LGBT will do it. However, I think the fact that you are the President of the LGBT club is great for admissions. It is a good thing to show to Colleges that you are leading something (which is huge on every app). As the above poster said, write some strong essays on it and embrace the leadership aspects. You should do well if you are passionate in your essays.</p>
<p>The fact that you are openly LGBT will not help you. However, what you do with that part of you will. The fact that you’re heading the GSA and are active with LGBT rights will definitely help you - and will also help you write amazing essays based on your experiences.</p>
<p>"The fact that you’re heading the GSA and are active with LGBT rights will definitely help you - and will also help you write amazing essays based on your experiences. "</p>
<p>Well, just being the head of something won’t produce amazing essays. </p>
<p>A few things called Introspection and Talent might come in handy.</p>
<p>what matters, is how does it matter to you?</p>
<p>The fact that you are white or Jewish or lesbian matters about as much as whether you are white and evangelical and straight. It’s great that you are president of the Gay-Straight Alliance…in the same way that another applicant is president of the Key Club.</p>
<p>Admissions people are looking for what you will bring to the campus…what did you accomplish while you held that position?</p>
<p>How many speakers did you bring to school, and how many students attended? What kinds of programs did you initiate and what were the results? What change did you bring about during your tenure in office?</p>
<p>you need to demonstrate why this facet of your being is important to you and why it should be important to the people reading your application.</p>