Impact of being LGBTQ+ on college admissions?

Hey friends, as I'm preparing for the college application process and considering significant personal experiences for my essays, I wonder if mentioning my journey as an LGBTQ+ individual might help or hurt my chances of admission. What's your take on this? Are colleges looking for diverse perspectives, or are they more concerned about the academic side of things?

Hey! It's definitely important to consider the impact of personal experiences on your college application, and your journey as an LGBTQ+ individual can indeed be a valuable aspect to include. Not only does it allow you to showcase your unique perspective, but it can also highlight your resilience and personal growth. Most colleges indeed value diverse perspectives and strive to create an inclusive environment for all students.

When writing about your LGBTQ+ identity, try to focus on how your experiences have shaped you and how your background has positively influenced your life, rather than simply providing a factual narrative. For example, you could perhaps discuss the ways your identity has driven your involvement in advocacy work, clubs, or initiatives at your school or community. You might also reflect on any obstacles you've overcome and the support systems that have been essential to your development, or any essential personality traits you've developed as a result of your experiences.

While academic achievements are important, admissions officers generally look to your essay to learn details about you that aren't already apparent from your transcript, test scores (if you have them), and so on. So, in fact it's wise to share sides of yourself that show you are well-rounded and have the potential to make a range of unique, meaningful contributions to a college community.

Remember to be authentic in your writing and openly share your experiences and emotions. By doing so, you'll be able to demonstrate your individuality and provide admissions officers with a clear sense of your core values and the perspective you'd bring to the campus community. If you want more guidance on how to do this, you can check out CollegeVine's guide to the Common App essay prompts (https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/), as well as their breakdown of the common "diversity" supplemental essay prompt (https://blog.collegevine.com/4-tips-for-writing-a-diversity-college-essay/). Either of these essays could be a great opportunity to discuss your LGBTQ+ identity.

Ultimately, sharing your experiences as an LGBTQ+ individual can definitely add depth and diversity to your application. Just make sure to frame it in a way that highlights your resilience, growth, and commitment to creating a positive impact. Good luck with your college applications!