<p>would it be appropriate to mention that fact that i am bisexual in my essay?
would this put me at disadvantage?</p>
<p>Your sexual orientation won’t be an issue. Your potential for writing a cliched essay about persecution will be, however. You’ve got to seriously seriously consider that your story is a common essay topic. Read this for pointers</p>
<p>[Essays</a>, Admission Information, Undergraduate Admission, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html]Essays”>http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html)</p>
<p>It’s not about the topic you choose to write about that matters, it’s how you write the essay that counts.</p>
<p>Why would being bi put you at a disadvantage? The Columbia community is relatively tolerant of professors who sleep with their daughters.</p>
<p>the topic you choose matters to the extent that it is your one topic to say, in essence, this is who i am. </p>
<p>the problem with identity essays is that they often tell you something about a student, but lack an engaging narrative. no matter how gut wrenching it might be to hear about your trials in coming to terms with your sexuality - ultimately the question becomes, so when am i going to learn about what you do about it (or anything else you are passionate/interested in). </p>
<p>there is a large difference between a coming out essay, and an essay where you talk about founding the GSA at your local high school.</p>
<p>I was accepted ED to Columbia, and my essay mentions that I’m not straight. However, it’s not the point of the essay, it’s part of my narrative. My essay was about being a political optimist, and how it started on the playground when my mom made me come up with a good thing to say to counteract every bad thing. Then, I talk about how this attitude translated into me reacting to my discovery of who I was in high school by becoming president of the GSA while simultaneously coming to terms with myself. It ends with tying this back to how I’ve realized I want to be a political journalist because I want to make a difference and I don’t find politics depressing at all because I believe in progress.</p>
<p>My essay was funny and didn’t focus at all on my sexuality in terms of coming out or being persecuted. It was a means to the end of explaining my (positive) worldview and how I attack problems.</p>
<p>So, in my opinion it can’t hurt you to mention your sexuality, but you should have a good reason for mentioning it. If it’s inspired you to be a better person by getting involved, or if it’s influenced what you want to do with your life, and you can make it into a story, go for it.</p>
<p>I agree with previous suggestions. As a gay Columbia student, I would also add that Columbia is very gay, so mentioning it cannot hurt. Also, the male admission committee members are likely gay as well, and it can’t hurt to tug at their heartstrings. </p>
<p>However, being gay or queer should NOT be the focus of your essay. Instead, like others have mentioned, it should be about WHAT you tell and HOW you tell it.</p>
<p>Also, I’m sure many queers will write about their experiences. So make yours good and unique. The best essays are unique, because how else could anyone remember it from a pile of at least a thousand essays? Also, Columbia looks for diversity in thought. How can you present your thought processes and how can you add to the community? We don’t admit just anyone. You need to bring something to our community-- what is it?</p>