Essays About Identity That Could Indicate Race

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like some college counselors are advising not to mention anything about your race this year since the administration will review admissions data. What about an essay about a personal trait that usually means you're white (e.g., blond hair or blue eyes)? DD has written a beautiful essay but it's built around a physical trait of hers - it can't be taken out of her essay and can't be changed to a different color the way her story unfolds.

Whites are the default demographic at most colleges. Writing about blond hair / blue eyes won't mean anything. Hopefully the kid has a strong GPA, good ECs and a high test score.

[Anonymous]

They can often tell race by parents names; applicant middle names; affinity clubs/certain honors or even names of parent schools.

That’s all fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I advised my white DS to write at length about the importance of the AME Zion church in his life.

I’ll take Things That Never Happened for $800, Alex.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I advised my white DS to write at length about the importance of the AME Zion church in his life.

That got Dylan Roof a Burger King meal from the cops.

[Anonymous]

Current Harvard/Yale/Princeton AOs have directly addressed this question, saying that students SHOULD address race/identity if it’s important to who they are as a person.

Sara H is spreading dangerous advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Should? “students should”???

It’s not about what should happen.

AO processes are being run by the general counsel’s office now. School administrators are running scared of DJT and want to (1) preserve all existing institutional funding for next 3 years and (2) not pay anymore fines.

It’s the new reality.

No top school that’s felt the wrath & ire of the current admin - or has put new risk procedures in place to avoid such wrath - is going to do the “noble” or right thing. They all have their hands tied. They will not admit a candidate that on a look-back would draw additional scrutiny.

Ask around - former AO are shell shocked by conversations with their colleagues still working at T20 admissions offices.

Everything has changed. Everything.

Great - the previous policies led to admission of many kids who could not contribute at the same level and take advantage of access to elite academics.

[Anonymous]

Ok I’m intrigued. What physical trait are we talking about that would give away race if it’s not skin color? Hair?

[Anonymous]

One would hope that my child would get equal benefit from writing about being the only white kid on a basketball team. Fair is fair.

Schools are still looking for minority applicants. Any minority kid who is not smart enough to convey their minority status in the application without the ability to just check a box likely isn't smart enough to attend the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current Harvard/Yale/Princeton AOs have directly addressed this question, saying that students SHOULD address race/identity if it’s important to who they are as a person.

Sara H is spreading dangerous advice.

huh? Harvard just told interviewers NO indication of RACE anywhere in interview feedback? They don't want to have to discount the interview.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok I’m intrigued. What physical trait are we talking about that would give away race if it’s not skin color? Hair?

So many answers but they will all be perceived as racist...

[Anonymous]

Maybe being a red head? Or albino?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One poster in this forum has mentioned not talking about race in essays, based on Sara H's opinion. I think that is an incorrect approach.

That said, I would suggest that the main idea of an essay should be showing a personal character type of quality. Be careful that the physical discussion doesn't distract from that.

SH was actually late to the party on this. All of the counselors I follow have said for months not to talk about it and she was staying firm about being proud and showing off your culture if you want to- she has done a dramatic 180.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like some college counselors are advising not to mention anything about your race this year since the administration will review admissions data. What about an essay about a personal trait that usually means you're white (e.g., blond hair or blue eyes)? DD has written a beautiful essay but it's built around a physical trait of hers - it can't be taken out of her essay and can't be changed to a different color the way her story unfolds.

I honestly can’t imagine that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Current Harvard/Yale/Princeton AOs have directly addressed this question, saying that students SHOULD address race/identity if it’s important to who they are as a person.

Sara H is spreading dangerous advice.

huh? Harvard just told interviewers NO indication of RACE anywhere in interview feedback? They don't want to have to discount the interview.

There's a huge difference between the Harvard interviewer taking notes on this and the student authentically sharing something about themselves.

[Anonymous]

Wouldn’t the optional video submission give away race? I wouldn’t worry about it op. I think the advice comes from the stuff during the affirmative action time when applicants were spending the entire essay laying out their race/lgbtq/class special status bona fides.