<p>I was wondering if it will hurt or benefit me if I put that I am a homosexual on the Columbia application. I'm planning to put it in my short answer that I want to go to the school because of its open-mindedness towards homosexuals, etc. Please reply.</p>
<p>I think since Columbia is know for being liberal, plus its New York City, I would believe your homosexuality can help you for admission. I think they might admit you if you stats are average of a Columbia student because they want diversity.</p>
<p>I think it won't probably help you that much, but I agree with aszx5527 that since it's NYC it definitely WON'T HURT your chances. So write it if you feel like and good luck! :)</p>
<p>I suggest branching out a little. Include openness towards sexual orientation, but also extend this towards different points of view and solutions</p>
<p>dont apply to any state that was red in 2004 i am joking, but i am not if you know what i mean</p>
<p>hahaha good one. that's true, though, you're right to apply to a school in nyc</p>
<p>I mentioned it in my essay and I also talked about my involvement in my school's GSA on the application. As long as you show something positive that you're doing considering the current circumstances, I'm sure it'll be fine.</p>
<p>(I got in ED)</p>
<p>There's a huge gay population at Columbia/Barnard. It definitely won't hurt. It will help a little bit (diversity, etc.), but I doubt you'll get a major bump given that there will be many other gay applicants.</p>
<p>at orientation, they had a diversity night where everyone (cc, seas, barnard 09) gathered in the auditorium, and selections from people's admissions essays were read to show how diverse our class is. at least one of the essays was about a girl's coming-out struggle, in addition to the ones about overcoming ethnic/financial obstacles, etc. so it definitely won't hurt you, but be aware that you're not the only one (this is a good thing in terms of acceptance but a bad thing in terms of you standing out on your app.) just make sure you treat it creatively - i have a feeling coming out is going to be one of the issues added to the "depression, death, drugs, divorce" do-not-write list because it's hard to make them unique.</p>
<p>I remember that diversity thing from orientation 7 years ago. It was the most torturous evening that I had there. Those sort of canned "lets try to be PC" events just foster stereotypes rather than eliminate them.</p>
<p>really, i thought everyone there just seemed nervous and excited about being in college, rather than tortured. i don't think anyone's thought about it since, though.</p>
<p>You know what, I haven't ever thought about it since, but that was where I met two of my best friends at school--the diversity night.</p>
<p>I think it would help your chances</p>