<p>I've heard rumors that being jewish hurts you in the admissions process in a similar way that being asian does; however, from what I've read, the schools I'm interested have said that they do not consider religious preference in admissions. However, I did read one article by a uc berkeley admissions officer and it basically stated that a jew and an asian were not fairly evaluated perhaps because of their religion/race. Anyway, that's not really my point, as I am in no way declaring that article a completely reliable source or anything, I am just putting that out there to show the (mis)conception exists. </p>
<p>So here's the thing, if religious preference is apparently not considered, then why should I include it? If it has any possibility of affecting my chances negatively then I think I don't want to take the risk, but I feel like I am being dishonest in my app. by omitting it. I'm also wondering how listing myself as Jewish would look to schools like BC, Georgetown, Duke, etc in addition to non-religious affiliated schools in general. Any insight would great, thanks!</p>
<p>I didn’t list my religion because I’m not applying for a “religious” school. It’s also a personal choice to put your religion, it’s typically not mandatory for non-religious school.</p>
<p>At the Georgetown information session, it was emphasized that an applicant’s religion is not part of the admissions consideration.</p>
<p>I don’t think your religion will affect that much. if you don’t report, then adcom can think otherwise.</p>
<p>Secular applications don’t request religious information, and it isn’t appropriate to make it a focus of a secular college application. I am not aware of any section where one has to state religion. However, if it is relevant to an applicant, it will be apparent somewhere such as activities or an event in an essay, such as being a member of “Young Life” or BBYO, or taking a mission type trip.
While you don’t have to disclose it, you shouldn’t have to hide it either. The idea of having to hide who you are in order to be accepted does feel disingenuous. Colleges will consider you on the basis of your qualifications. They also seek a diverse student body, but this depends on their application pool which you can’t control.
I think your discomfort with the idea of hiding this aspect of yourself is your answer.</p>
<p>You don’t need to mention it, religion is something you choose to beleive in, so it doesn’t even play a role in admissions like Race does. If you’re aiming for a unified religious school, however, then you probably should align with it.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Yes. It’s on the Common Application.</p>
<p>^ Yes, but you don’t have to say what your religion is.</p>
<p>Oh, for goodness sakes! Really?</p>
<p>The information is collected for statistical purposes only. It’s helpful if you put it, and utterly irrelevant if you don’t.</p>
<p>One of my ECs is a religious activity and I’m putting down Jewish. I’ve never even thought about how it would affect me.</p>