Writing my Common App Personal Statement about being transgender?

College Essays
1

Hey, I’m a high school senior applying to colleges as a trans man (born female but transitioning into male). I’ve been out for a few years now, I’ve been on hormones for a little over a year, and I just had top surgery over the summer. Being transgender has had a profound impact on my life, so what better than to write about it on my Common App essay?

I want to write not about how I’ve struggled with being trans, but how I’ve worked hard to help others in similar situations from having to deal with what I’ve dealt with wrt being trans. For example, for the entirety of last year I met with the principal and superintendent of my school multiple times to discuss creating a gender neutral bathroom in my school. The first day of school this year, the bathroom was there–and now any trans students in or out of the closet at the school have a bathroom they can use without fear of discrimination, all thanks to my work. I’ve also spoken–both individually and as a part of a panel–in front of dozens of principals/superintendents/teachers of various schools to educate them about the importance of creating a trans-friendly environment at school and how to properly handle a trans kid in their classroom. I’ve also volunteered at LGBT Pride and was a part of my school’s GSA for a year. Basically, I want to write about how I’ve turned the biggest struggle of my life into something positive both for me and for kids in similar situations; I want to write about how I’ve used my tough experiences to help others, and how I’ve grown into a person who’s kind, compassionate, and understanding because of it.

I’m applying to liberal universities so being trans won’t be a hindrance on my application, but I’m worried about the uniqueness of my essay. There will be at least a few dozen transgender people applying to each college I’m applying to, most of whom will probably write their essay about being transgender in some form or another. My essay, I think, will stand out among those because I’m going to focus mainly on the positives of my mostly negative experience, but in the sea of transgender applicants I don’t think this essay will be “original.”

I don’t know, what do you guys think? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

2

You seem to have a solid idea of what you want your essay to focus on, so why not? I think you are overestimating how many transgender people will apply. As long as your voice is authentic, go for it.

3

I think you’ll have to be careful. Not because of the topic, but because I can see how it might be easy to concentrate more on the struggle itself than on selling your application. Know what I mean? The point isn’t to educate (though heaven knows it’s needed) or inform about the struggle, but to show a part of you that’s not already shown on the application.

It can be a powerful essay, but you only have 650 words. I think you’ll want to tell your story briefly, then talk about YOU and how this life change has made you a person they’ll want to have on their campus. Don’t concentrate on the others. And Lindagaf is right-- don’t necessarily focus on other transgenders— they may have already fought that battle, or there may not be many there at this point in time (just curious-- how do you know there will be a few dozen? )And if there are a few dozen, make sure that your essay isn’t one of 36 on the exact same topic, the same battle and the same victories.

. Focus on how you’re a better person-- in whatever respect you choose.

I think it’s going to be a delicate line in 650 words, but it’s absolutely worth a shot.

Personally, I think I would choose something completely different for the essay, then include this in the “Is there anything else you think we should know?” section of the app. That way, you still get to include this vital part of your life, while using the other essay to “sell” your application.