<p>I've been in a relationship with someone for 5 years. Now that applying for college is coming up, would it be a bad idea to mention this in my application or interview? When reading about getting into college, I keep being asked the question "what makes you different?" To me, my boyfriend doesn't define me but he is a huge part of my life that feels so excluded by college applications.</p>
<p>Ehhhhh… it might be best to leave it out unless you’re married. Colleges are looking for people who are at the cusp of new exploration – academically and even socially. You want to highlight how you’ll be able to contribute to the myriad of social offerings of a college – not leave campus every weekend to visit w/bf.</p>
<p>Can you see how a long-term/serious relationship doesn’t flow with this aspect?</p>
<p>“Ehhhhh…” was my reaction too. The thing is, this is your college application, and interviews and applications are a very professional thing. No matter how moving or sentimental you decide to make it, it’s important to note that there is a time and place to mention personal relationships. I understand that he’s a huge part of your life, but college admissions officers aren’t looking for either people who are single or in a relationship. They’re looking at you, and who you are, and how you got there via academics and community, not via certain people (if that makes sense.) They’re looking for future leaders, those who can impact others, not necessarily those who have been impacted by their boyfriend or girlfriend. He should not feel excluded one way or another, your application showcases the best of who you are, not what you have. Because colleges are ultimately about academics, that is what you should be highlighting. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Chlogan is a rising sophomore, thus being in the relationship since she was 9 or 10. Definitely a bad idea when you’re trying to portray yourself as independent and open to new opportunities as a 17 or 18 year old.</p>
<p>It would make you look immature and not ready for the independence of college life if you talked about your BF. I would not be impressed if a student I interviewed brought this topic up. And it would be inappropriate to ask the questions that would immediately come to my mind.</p>