<p>So yeah I'm gay, and in the "What else would you like to tell us" section I plan on writing a short blurb about my coming out experience (which has been overwhelmingly positive). I know that Middlebury College, starting this year, considers gay students in the same light as minorities, athletes, and alumni children, but I know that most other schools have some qualms with the idea. I don't expect to receive any special consideration from Princeton, but in terms of bringing diversity to the campus, do you think it would be an influence at all for admission? For sure it is something that I feel differentiates me from a sea of other applicants</p>
<p>There was actually a thread in here a month or so ago about this. I am also gay (female) and I wrote about it in my supplementary essay. Earlier we were wondering if LGBT could be considered a URM. I think it would be somewhat, but not to the same extent as like, being latino or something, since it isn't something as physically obvious and clear-cut as being of a different race. Honestly, I think it will only help (or at least it won't hurt), as long as you aren't applying to like, Grove City College or Brigham-Young. </p>
<p>I didn't know that about Middlebury, though. Very cool. Too bad they don't have engineering.</p>
<p>Gays haven't been historically disadvantaged the way Latinos and Blacks have. They've faced prejudices but not systematic oppression. </p>
<p>But perhaps more relevant to college admissions is that they aren't underrepresented. Gays make up an estimated 2% of the total population (10% in cities), yet comprise more than 15% of the student body at some ivy leagues (I've heard like 1/4 at Yale...but I think that's gotta be an exaggeration). While, Latinos for example, who make up around 13% of the total US population, are represented in egregiously low numbers - an 8% Latino population even with affirmative action policies in place should be embarrassing, but it's pretty much the standard, isn't it?
In short, I think gays shouldn't be and probably aren't likened to other underrepresented groups, because frankly, they aren't underrepresented. </p>
<p>I do think that it will add a splash of colour to your application, though. But yea, I'm gay AND a URM and my essay refers to both my ethnicity and sexual preference in passing, but either is liable to be stricken out in my next editing session lol. I think hanging on to hooks like this for hope of getting in is silly. If I get in, it'll be for different reasons I hope.</p>
<p>But I think you should definitely write about coming out if it was a significant experience for you. It'll probably give insight into other more important parts of your personality than just which gender you find yourself attracted to. Good luck.</p>
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yet comprise more than 15% of the student body at some ivy leagues (I've heard like 1/4 at Yale...but I think that's gotta be an exaggeration)
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<p>Is this data publicly available?</p>
<p>The whole "One in four, maybe more!" thing at Yale isnt necessarily true, I don't think it is grounded in hard facts. They do have a large gay community though for sure</p>
<p>"Gays haven't been historically disadvantaged the way Latinos and Blacks have. They've faced prejudices but not systematic oppression."</p>
<p>What the hell?
Do Asian peoples count for nothing at all anymore?</p>
<p>Chinese Exclusion Act?
Japanese Internment?</p>
<p>We're willing to work harder, but we end up getting less!
Oh, the irony!</p>
<p>Anyway, my advice is to use whatever card you have up your sleeve to your advantage.
Might as well. I'll personally never know what it's like to live with the knowledge that the primary reason I was offered admissions to a selective college was because of the color of my skin, or what gender I prefer to share intimacies with.</p>
<p>Nobody deserves affirmative action, least of all the already-overrepresented gay community.</p>
<p>OP, being gay will not help your application in and of itself, but it will help by providing another facet of your personality. That is what applications are for, no?</p>
<p>one in 2, maybe you!</p>