The optional supplement essay asks for experiences related to “a community you belong to, your sexual orientation or gender identity, or your family or cultural background.” I am a member of the lgbt community, but I’m nervous that that could negatively impact my application depending on who reads it. Should I still answer the question?
Application go through numerous people to read. So even if one person feels negative about you being in the LGBT community, there will be others to read it and counter their negative opinion. So write it and be unashamed and scared about it.
I am continually surprised by how many students want to write about their sexuality on their college apps, and I guess the Duke AdComms has decided to deal with that by giving those applicants a place to do it.
Being part of the LGBT community won’t negatively impact your application- the only thing that would be a problem is if you submit an essay that is cliched or trite or uninteresting or badly written.
Also- they mean it when they say ‘optional’.