I have a short 250 word statement about how I’ve dealt with challenges of being queer and how I’ve overcome those challenges. I don’t want to make it an essay proper, because I don’t want it to be a centerpiece/main focus of my application, there are other things that define me than just that. But it’s still an important piece of who I am and to contextualize my experiences. Is it fine to put that there and would admissions people get annoyed, or is that the type of additional info that would work? Thank you!
If you are applying to US schools, I wouldn’t use the term “queer”, I would use the term “Gay/lesbian”.
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Exactly right, and make sure you define yourself as a student.
Being gay just happens to come with the territory; it doesn’t identify and define everything you are capable of, as well as, contributing to the school’s activities. Being straightforward and honest to yourself will get you far.
We don’t go around prefacing everything with, “I’m straight”.
Just be “you” on your essays. You will be fine.
Some people will also state "I am member of the LGBT community.
Done, nothing more to connote.
Anyone else can chime in.
@faucer, make sure you ask your guidance counselor for advice. Since your high school staff knows you and your school record, they can speak best to your personal applications and the rate of acceptance to your targets. Good luck!
The poster, above^^^, is a high school senior. So you may want to seek more opinions.
@“aunt bea” so I just have a 240 word thing about more of the gender identity side of things and how I’ve overcome challenges and what I’m doing going forward, is that appropriate for this section? Thank you so much!
@faucer, it depends on the school and if there is a supplemental form for additional comments that need further explanation. Sometimes, that section is for explaining coursework, medical issues/concerns, homeschooling options, etc.
Your guidance counselor should really be advised if you will be sending additional statements. The GC could guide you in this information section.
You could contact admissions and ask. (Sometimes, the admissions lines have student workers. Please ask for a staff member.) Don’t feel intimidated; staffs can be really helpful.
[My son attended CalTech, applied on the last day, and used the supplemental section to explain his Eagle project delays. In the long run, I don’t think that section mattered much because his essay apparently was well-received, as noted by the number of postcards. . i* ]