Is it a bad idea to write a college application essay about your sexual orientation?

I wouldn't. Not because it's shameful or bad, but because it's irrelevant. I feel that it is a very personal issue that should not be part of an application of an academic institute. Would it be appropriate for a heterosexual guy write about his relationship with a girl in his college application? I don't think so. A personal statement should be about your accomplishments and what you want to do academically in college, what you want to learn, to explore, to experiment. It's not an introduction for a dating site, some of the personal information, while very important to you, might not be that interesting and relevant to whoever is reading your statement and deciding whether they should take you over the next person. But of course, it's been a while since I wrote my personal statement, so things might be different now. I imagine if you're thinking about studying psychology or gay culture study, your personal struggle might give a motivation of your academic work. Even so, I won't put too much emphasis on your sexual orientation.

I think there could be an interesting essay there, especially if you can frame it in the larger societal conversation about how gay folks are more and more accepted (and maybe tie it to the currently-in-vogue conversation about bullying?)... I would definitely not talk about any specifics with sex or anything personal like that. The goal is to have a thought-provoking essay that shows off your smarts and analytical skills and ability to write and connect with a reader. Just leave out any sexytime scenes... definitely not the place to talk about that stuff. ;-)

I'd agree with : it really does depend on the subject you intend to study. It would have no relevance to Science or business. An existential analysis might help if you were studying psychology, sociology or a creative art maybe. But you are so much more than your sexuality. The college is interested in how you can enhance their reputation and develop yourself. Your application is about your relationship with the college, how you can benefit eachother. Your sexuality is mostly irrelevant unless you can tie your positive experiences to it. You certainly won't be discriminated against for your sexual practices or struggles, but all teenagers have some degree of dark troubled and brooding. Think in terms of what this might add to your application before you mention it.

A college essay while it is usually seen as an avenue to display your writing skills, it is a definitely a platform to show your interest in a particular field of study. I'd suggest you to write your essay in a way that it links to the major You are applying for. So if you are applying for engineering/ nutrition/ food science/ exercise physiology  major etc I don't know if you being gay is of any relevance. Your sexual orientation whatever it may be, is a very personal thing. So if you are mentioning your orientation ( or lack of one) in your essay, then it would be nice to see a connection. If you are applying for majors like psychology, sociology, law school, or undecided majors then your essay can be relevant to a sexual orientation. If the later is the case, go for it. Here are some ways you can link sexual orientation to a major.. Psychology: acceptance, working with lgbt couples Law school: lgbt rights and movements, fight discrimination Molecular biology: project that your final goal is to make a contribution to research advancements in lgbt genetic studies or finding cures for STDs etc. General/ Undecided: may help you find a path. All the best.

You should definitely do it. Personal growths is something that college essays are trying to corner in on. Make sure you don't only talk about the struggle (although it should be included). Also talk about how this experience has made you a better/stronger/happier/more mature/etc. person. I learned about writing college essays from a website called AdmitSee. You should check it out!