<p>So most applications I've seen ask for your religion and then list various choices to choose from . . . why is that? Is it simply to get an idea of the diversity of the incoming class, or does it affect admissions at all? For example, if I selected "Pagan/Wiccan" as my religion, would colleges favor that over just another "Nondenominational Christian?" Or does your religious preference not matter at all?</p>
<p>I don’t think it matters at all except for religious schools and even then, it’s not a big deal. They ask so they can have statistics for incoming freshmen</p>
<p>It only matters for some schools with a religious affiliation. While colleges may prefer a diverse student body, for most schools specific religious affiliation is unimportant. But you might mention volunteer activity with a church in your application.</p>
<p>So that the chaplaincy of your choice can relentlessly bombard the parents with solicitations for when you get admitted. Relentless!</p>
<p>You can tell if it matters or not for admissions by looking at the Common Data Set for the school. Google “<school name=”"> common data set", that will usually help you find it. I think you will find what you are looking for in Section 2 once you get into the Common Data Set. Along with a lot of other interesting data. :)</school></p>
<p>A lot of them opt not to receive that section from the Common App.</p>