DS about sexuality? Could this backfire? Forum

[Panopticon1983]

I've been considering writing a DS about being bisexual. I have two issues with this I'd like to discuss.

First, although I know ADCOMMs wouldn't ever officially deny me for this, could some old-school intolerant guy read it and end up getting me denied because of it?

Second, I'm not out, at least not to everyone. Would that be a problem?

Edit: For clarification, I'm apply only T14 plus one safety still T20.

[vanwinkle]

Regarding a denial, it depends on the school you're applying to. Most schools like diversity and advertising that they have organizations such as LGBT rights groups on campus. They likely wouldn't have those things if they didn't admit LGBT students. On the other hand, if you apply to somewhere like Regent or Liberty, they're most assuredly going to reject you for it.

I think that you're required to produce a copy of your law school application when you take the bar. Not sure on this, but if so, you should just be prepared for other people than adcomms to read it three years later. If I'm wrong on this, other people are free to correct me.

[Cupidity]

I've been considering writing a DS about being bisexual. I have two issues with this I'd like to discuss.

First, although I know ADCOMMs wouldn't ever officially deny me for this, could some old-school intolerant guy read it and end up getting me denied because of it?

Second, I'm not out, at least not to everyone. Would that be a problem?

I had an orientation-centric personal statement. I was rejected at Notre Dame and offered substantial scholarship at Boston University. Moral of the story: you don't want to go to the places that won't like it.

[Glock]

I usually urge caution when people ask about waving diversity statements and status around in situations were a single private bias can ding you (firm hiring). That said, the VAST majority of ADCOMMs are going to view LGBT as a positive thing, especially if it tells a good story about you. Go for it.

Avoid saying it at all for Catholic schools like ND. Tone it down for southern and midwestern private schools.

[billyez]

Tone it down for southern and midwestern private schools.

...Wait, really? I can understand why you would advocate against it for a Catholic affiliated school, but just generally adding Southern and Midwestern schools?

[Glock]

Tone it down for southern and midwestern private schools.

...Wait, really? I can understand why you would advocate against it for a Catholic affiliated school, but just generally adding Southern and Midwestern schools?

Private southern and midwestern schools are significantly more likely to have biased people on their admissions committee than non-private and non-southern schools, in my opinion. It is the Bible belt and people are significantly more likely to hold anti-gay opinions. At that point the boost of a gay DS could turn on you and become a negative.

These are generalizations I would use to mitigate risk. It is not going to be 100% accurate. Vandy, for example, has an Outlaw group and everything.

[Cupidity]

Send it. Don't go anywhere that doesn't want you.