<p>if my friend is handicapped, or a lesbian, or afghani, should she tell colleges? in our world, aren't some of those things still looked down upon?</p>
<p>No, if anything they will help her get in. Facing adversity and having diversity are two things that help people get into good colleges easiest. Just dont apply to Mississippi, or alabama. Go somewhere like massachussets or california</p>
<p>Most colleges make admissions decisions overwhelmingly based on academic stats. In terms of where she should apply to college, it would be important to make sure that the college has suitable accommodations for her disability or is welcoming of people from foreign countries or who are gay.</p>
<p>yea, some schools actually want to promote their gay population and are looking for diversity. So, it may actually be a positive thing if your friend mentions it.</p>
<p>Why would anyone want to go to a college that does not accept their important qualities? No point in hiding those kinds of things.</p>
<p>^There are some colleges that are looking to create welcoming environments for their gay populations, but no colleges treat gays or lesbians as a URM. It will not help in admission.</p>
<p>If she feels she can write a good essay about overcoming challenges brought on by any of these factors, I think it would be a good idea. Or the counselor could include it in the counselor rec if she had to overcome adversity.</p>