<p>It is wonderful to have a teen who has straightforward EC's (i.e reading to impoverished kids, church/temple religious activities, boy/girl scouts, editor of school newspaper and the like) to encourage them to list all ECs for which they demonstrate passion or leadership, My daughter is not gay--but totally likes to take the opposite position on controversial subjects--ie gay/lesbian issues. She has started a club at her school to talk about diversity issues--which includes gays etc. She has participated (was chosen from 500 applicants) in a National Diversity Conference for high school students on the topic. If she lists these ECs or if she is granted an interview with an alum or admissions person--I know that this will be vocalized. She almost gave her grandparents a heart attack this Christmas, passionately talking about these issues. Do you think that admissions frowns on this? If there were 2 similiar students with the same stats, is the one with many ECs on controversial topics likely to lose? How would you advise such a student?</p>
<p>I don't see that it would be a disadvantage at all. I think that kids need to find something they are passionate about and get involved. That is clearly what your daughter has done and you should be very proud. Gay/Straight Alliance groups are becoming more and more common at the country's high schools, so it will not be something new to most adcoms. Most colleges have organizations/clubs which are queer-focussed, and have had for years. Two of my Ds were very involved in their h/s gsa's, and they continue to be at college. Neither is a lesbian, and they both got into their first choice schools, both of which were selective. :)</p>
<p>I think she should go for it. She would surely lend to the school's diversity (of opinion, thought) and I think it would be cool to have her as a roomie - anyone would learn form her. Good for her...and best of luck!</p>
<p>With the exception of places like conservative religious schools that believe that homosexuality is a sin, your daughter's participation in the gay/lesbian clubs would be seen as a big plus. She'd be viewed as open minded and flexible, and supportive of diversity initiatives. In fact, her participation in the organizations that you describe could lead to her getting merit scholarships based on diversity and leadership. She should check to see if the colleges where she's applying have such scholarships.</p>
<p>As for colleges that might reject her based on her participation in such groups, she would not want to go to such colleges anyway because their values would not be in line with hers.</p>
<p>She sounds like a neat person, and a kid to be very proud of!</p>