Discussing LGBT orientation in apps
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29 Jul 2014, 04:31
HBS and a lot of other schools strongly encourage LGBT students to be out in the applications. While some insist that it doesn't influence admission decisions, all of the top schools actively recruit LGBT candidates. From the HBS site:
"If you have volunteered at LGBT-focused organizations or served on LGBT-related committees or boards, for instance, it is probably to your benefit to include these in your application, in the same way that all applicants discuss their involvement in various business and non-profit organizations. These activities and leadership positions demonstrate your passion and your abilities and help distinguish you from other applicants. To leave out these important experiences could hurt your application. Moreover, it is perfectly appropriate - and, again, probably advisable - for essays to reflect who you are as a whole person, including your sexuality and gender identity/expression, if you choose to do so."
I'm gay, and an admissions consultant has strongly encouraged that I mention this in my applications. It's what schools are asking for, and I have no problem being open about it. But unlike a lot of LGBT candidates, sexuality isn't the focus of my essays, and there are no LGBT organizations on my resume. So how should I mention that I'm gay in my application? If I got in touch with the LGBT outreach groups on campus, would they let admissions know about my involvement? Or would I have to mention is specifically in my essays?