Can I talk about my sexuality in my common app?

Answered

Personally, I think that is a tough topic to navigate through because of many factors.

a. You don't know who is going to read your application essays. They could be young, old, conservative, liberal, who knows?

b. You would have to write something compelling that ties your asexuality with being your best attribute. Other if there is something else more compelling about you, then why not pick that instead.

c. And ask yourself why you think sharing your story about your sexuality would be impressive to a college admissions officer? Is it because you are a superior writer or because this is a unique story that reveals what your process of critical thinking is, what your expression of self is, and what kind of future challenges you wish to explore being part of such and such school? Would the average college admissions officer in charge of accepting or denying applicants think this is a good topic? The truth is I don't know.

The first step I would do is look at the 2022-2023 prompts and see if there are a couple that fit your overall narrative of what you've been doing for the past 3 to 4 years of HS.

Below is the full set of essay prompts for 2022-2023. We will also retain the optional COVID-19 question within the Additional Information section.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Maybe run it by some of your friends and grownups whose opinions you respect. Ask them if they think writing about this is the best topic for you.