listing being gay as a disadvantage?

[LeDentist]

Hello there,

I'm applying this cycle and I'm still debating whether I should mention on my application the fact I'm gay or if that might ruin my chances of acceptances. If I do mention it, I would like to share my story: when I was 19 years old, I told my parents I was gay and they kicked me out of the house. I was homeless for a long time, crashing at my friends apartments for months, until I could get back on my feet. I have always supported myself financially and I eventually put myself through school. Ever since my parents kicked me out, I've been an independent student and the journey has been tough. It took a me a long time but I did it and now I'm ready to apply.

I just don't know whether I should list my personal story as a disadvantage, or even mention it at all? I believe this is a major important story in my life that I cannot simply leave out and would justify some parts of my application (random school gaps, some bad grades my freshman year, etc). I just don't know if the schools admission people would be prejudice or would reject me due to the fact I'm an open gay applicant.

Stats: oGPA ~3.3 sGPA ~ 3.4
DAT: 19AA/19TS/20PAT

Thank you!

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[SXCoronado]

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[dbd]

Focus on how you got kicked out and had to support yourself financially. That definitely qualifies as a disadvantage no matter what your orientation.

 

[LeDentist]

Your stats are fine. I don't think adcoms can discriminate.

If you feel you have to bring it up, do it more tactfully than saying "being gay is a disadvantage".. Wording could make or break how you present yourself!

Good luck

Thank you for the advice! of course I am only mentioning my sexual orientation to explain my circumstances. If asked during an interview, I would simply mentioned it briefly and won't make my whole application/interview about my sexual orientation. I agree, its all about the wording. I'm just not sure whether I'm screwing myself over by sharing my story to the dental schools.

Focus on how you got kicked out and had to support yourself financially. That definitely qualifies as a disadvantage no matter what your orientation.

Thanks for your input. I'm deft focusing on that!

 

[shyfox9p]

As SXC said, I wouldn't directly say that being gay was a disadvantage. Being homeless, not having your family support you, and any other difficulties are disadvantages. You will strike the wrong chord if you directly say that being gay is a disadvantage. My best advice: Go to the writing center and write out a draft with a professor/student there. They will help you word your story better and present it in a way that better explains your situation.
Best of luck!

 

[dentalWorks]

Hello there,

I'm applying this cycle and I'm still debating whether I should mention on my application the fact I'm gay or if that might ruin my chances of acceptances. If I do mention it, I would like to share my story: when I was 19 years old, I told my parents I was gay and they kicked me out of the house. I was homeless for a long time, crashing at my friends apartments for months, until I could get back on my feet. I have always supported myself financially and I eventually put myself through school. Ever since my parents kicked me out, I've been an independent student and the journey has been tough. It took a me a long time but I did it and now I'm ready to apply.

I just don't know whether I should list my personal story as a disadvantage, or even mention it at all? I believe this is a major important story in my life that I cannot simply leave out and would justify some parts of my application (random school gaps, some bad grades my freshman year, etc). I just don't know if the schools admission people would be prejudice or would reject me due to the fact I'm an open gay applicant.

Stats: oGPA ~3.3 sGPA ~ 3.4
DAT: 19AA/19TS/20PAT

Thank you!

I wouldn't talk about it... it has no significance. There are alot of gay students / dentists nowadays. My class alone has I think 1 or 2 gay students and I think we have some gay faculty as well.

It was actually a surprise to me how many gay men go into dentistry

 

[yeslek88]

Under normal circumstances Id say definitely don't mention it. Same goes for questions regarding religion, tattoos, etc. Its really none of their business how you choose to live your personal life if it doesn't affect you professionally. However, it sounds like you might have a very compelling story for your personal statement provided that it is written tastefully. ADCOMs would be very interested in meeting someone who had to overcome getting unjustly kicked out of their own house at the age of 19.

 

[matty675]

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[Daneosaurus]

Hahaha. Absolutely not. Being gay has many social disadvantages, academic achievement is not one of them.

And to tack on to what Matty said, it is possible that you get some dbag for an adcom and the find other means (incredible unethical and unprofessional) to keep you out.

 

[Rambunctious]

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[tooth knockn]

Hello there,

I'm applying this cycle and I'm still debating whether I should mention on my application the fact I'm gay or if that might ruin my chances of acceptances. If I do mention it, I would like to share my story: when I was 19 years old, I told my parents I was gay and they kicked me out of the house. I was homeless for a long time, crashing at my friends apartments for months, until I could get back on my feet. I have always supported myself financially and I eventually put myself through school. Ever since my parents kicked me out, I've been an independent student and the journey has been tough. It took a me a long time but I did it and now I'm ready to apply.

I just don't know whether I should list my personal story as a disadvantage, or even mention it at all? I believe this is a major important story in my life that I cannot simply leave out and would justify some parts of my application (random school gaps, some bad grades my freshman year, etc). I just don't know if the schools admission people would be prejudice or would reject me due to the fact I'm an open gay applicant.

Stats: oGPA ~3.3 sGPA ~ 3.4
DAT: 19AA/19TS/20PAT

Thank you!

Do not dwell on you being gay, that is not a disadvantage.

Your parents abandoning you is a disadvantage.

Forced to live on your own during a time in your when you are least experienced is a disadvantage.


Don't get it confused.

 

[Daneosaurus]

Do not dwell on you being gay, that is not a disadvantage.

Your parents abandoning you is a disadvantage.

Forced to live on your own during a time in your when you are least experienced is a disadvantage.


Don't get it confused.

Precisely. Social problems you may have faced, OP, are certainly disadvantages. Being gay, in and of itself, is not disadvantageous to academic achievement.

 

[Faux]

if i read that you were kicked out of your house, i'd want to know why. I would include it, but don't make it all about it. You were kicked out for such and such reason and move on from that.

Maybe say that they kicked you out because of differences regarding religious views.

 

[Demilaax]

Don't mention anything about being gay. Just say you had to move out for school or family issues...
But yes, being gay is disadvantageous because you get to miss out on hot chicks including but not limited to soft boobs and smooth legs.

 

[tooth knockn]

Omg, he doesn't care about those things, he probably want nice strong dental man, with soft hands and nice smile.

 

[Flashes23]

I would mention it, a lot of people saying not to mention it because the interview faculty might not look kindly on it. But these faculty will be your teachers anyway, so why even go to a school that won't accept you for who you are?

 

[LaughingGas]

Maybe b/c there might be a small chance that the person/people that read P.S. don't support homosexuality.

 

[kidsaremypassion]

I agree with all the above posters. I definetely would not mention your sexual orientation. Focus on how you built yourself up after dire circumstances and got yourself to this point. Although some have said that you wouldnt want to go to a school that doesnt accept your sexuality, why would you even want to play with your professional future like that?At this point in the game, you are trying to make adcoms love you. You don't need to give them any sort of ammunition, or anything that may make them even question whether they want you in their program.
Once you are in, sure, live your life. But before then, just play it safe.
Sounds like you have a compelling story to tell. Best of luck to you!

 

[CustomGrills51]

If if doesn't help u don't mention it or bring it up. By the way that applies to anything and everything.

 

[Aliengod3]

I do not understand how sexual orientation is a disadvantage. I imagine that you had hardships as a result of it and it is definitely something you can speak of during an interview because it shows your personal strength and ability to work through difficult times and succeed. Your stats are competitive and you will get some interviews without including it in your app.

 

[trailrunr88]

I included it in any diversity based questions. I did not try to include it in every part of my application. It is part of who I am, and it affects the lens through which I view the world. The key is not to say you are disadvantaged by it, but by how it will add a unique perspective. The primary focus of mine being having an understanding of marginalized groups and their fears (Judgement, lack of empathy, etc) when going to the doctor.

 

[CustomGrills51]

imma say i grew up during the times when the government tried to make everyone the same then we all fled to..... wait im confusing myself. Didnt pilgrims risk their lives to earn what they work for and not be the same as everyone???

Im Sorry but I HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE excuses like this and politics even more. Im not even racist or sexist, but I do notice patterns and have a damn good memory. The Protestants aka pilgrims risked their lives(yes that means a very unfavorable prognosis) to get away from socialism?

It shouldnt matter if your white, black, gay, straight, or an auburn fan.

Your trying to use the oh we better not reject the gay guy or we will get sued card... If you do that n get a SYMPATHY (or lawsuit concerned) acceptance, hell almost all of sdn would be gay the next day!

And to the person who responds to this sayin im a gay hater or whatever. Trust me, I have nothing against gay people. I have everything against people who make "gay" excuses about how they deserve something because they are "different" or the damn minority. Replace your excuses with ambition and determination......

 

[CustomGrills51]

I could say i have red hair and light skin so will u pleassse let me in???

Think about it sounds as rediculous as u saying ur gay. Work hard at getting better, don't work harder at making better excuses!!

 

[Daneosaurus]

Custom, you're a bit off base, here. OP is asking how to word his situation to reflect that the unfortunate events that have happened to him due to being gay. Nowhere in his posts did I read anything resembling an attempt to ask for sympathy for his sexual orientation. I'm guessing you don't know many (or any) homosexuals, given your attitude.

 

[ModifiedBass]

As Daneosaurus said, it sounds like you didn't even read the OP's post Custom. Did you just see that it has "gay" and "disadvantage" in the title and get all worked up because of that? You may not be a "gay hater", but the fact that you appear to not have even read the post and reply with that response makes you seem quite ignorant.

To OP, I would definitely mention it. As others have said, just focus on how it has affected you and how you were able to overcome the difficult circumstances you were put in due to it. Good luck.