Several Dartmouth students said they used their sexual orientation to differentiate themselves during an interview or on their essays. One high school student, however, said he felt it unnecessary to declare his sexual orientation on any part of his college application because he considers other qualities to be more central to his identity.
Students also discussed whether sexual orientation can be reduced to checking a box. Checking boxes, whether for race or sexual orientation, poses problems because of the rigid nature of boxes, according to Bridgette Hylton '06.
"They can never find words or boxes to describe the diversity of the people that live in the United States," she said.
Others agreed, pointing out that sexual orientation is not as simple as gay or straight. Jon Hopper '08 named over 10 groups with which students may identify, such as transgendered, bisexual or fluid.
While many were critical of boxes' limitations, others supported giving students the opportunity to express a part of their identity without having to devote an entire essay to it.
Discussion participants noted that a benefit of such a box is being able to create statistics that high school students could use to gauge which schools would be most welcoming of students who are not heterosexual.
Hopper said that his high school guidance counselor advised him not to choose Dartmouth because he would not fit in as a homosexual. Without the statistics that a box on the Dartmouth application could provide, prospective students may be led in the wrong directions when making their college decisions.
"One thing that hasn't been talked about yet is how an application for any college or institution can really reflect the values of that community," Dartmouth admissions officer Cara Wallace '03 said.
Wallace said that including sexual orientation as a criterion can potentially demonstrate Dartmouth's acceptance of diversity.
Representatives from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Gay Straight Alliance and the Afro-American Society attended Monday's discussion in addition to the Dartmouth and Hanover High students present.
The talk was hosted by Spectrum, the weekly discussion group facilitated by The Tucker Foundation and Hanover High that generates discussion surrounding issues pertaining to diversity and equity.
