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標題: A question on MIT Application Form (Part 1 Section 1) [打印本頁]

作者: ModernFamily12 時間: 12-11-14 09:50 標題: A question on MIT Application Form (Part 1 Section 1)

本帖最後由 ModernFamily12 於 12-11-14 10:16 編輯

I've seen all kinds of questions on a number of university application forms, including Cambridge, Imperial, Princeton, CUHK & HKU over the past few months.  This one appears on the application form of MIT (2012 QS World Ranking #1) is very impressive.  Bear in mind that the applicant may be at the age of 16 only! For adults and parents from around the world, I think most of us will not even be able to distinguish the differences between the answers at the first glance.

How would you describe your sexual orientation/gender identity?
Check all that apply. (Optional)

- Lesbian
- Bisexual
- Gay
- Transgender
- Straight/Heterosexual
- Another Identity
- Unsure
- Prefer Not to Answer

作者: Shootastar 時間: 12-11-14 10:04

I do not know why such question would be asked in an application form. Most colleges said that they would not discriminate any applicants who have some sort of disabilities. My feeling is that the UK college admission officers would not take your disclosures into account in the application process. You can see from Cambridge report that it lists out the number of applicants who have disabilities and the number of them are admitted. Usually, the admission rate is equal to or a bit higher than the normal applicants.

However, I am sceptical about the attitude of the admission officers in the US colleges. I think if you make a disclosure on something which they do not like, you will be penalised.

I would therefore choose the answer "Prefer Not to Answer".

作者: ModernFamily12 時間: 12-11-14 10:41

本帖最後由 ModernFamily12 於 12-11-14 10:48 編輯

If you drill into the "Tips, Advice & Clarifications" for this question, you will get the followings.

"Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
MIT is a diverse and supportive community. We are committed to the MIT Nondiscrimination Policy, so answering this question will in no way negatively impact your application. Note that for your privacy, the response(s) selected here will not be saved onto the PDF of your application that you can preview on your computer.

At MIT, we know that people are more than just a set of grades and scores on a screen. So we use a holistic admissions process which entails understanding as much about you as we can, and the context from which you have been shaped, both as a person and a student. The information from the application provides the pieces that help us to create a picture of you.

If you are interested in learning about the LBGT community and resources at MIT, please feel free to contact the lbgt@MIT Office at [email protected], 617-253-5440, or http://web.mit.edu/lbgt/."

Actually, I think it's odd to include such a question in MIT's application form. One should treat his/her gender identity and sexual orientation as natural as eating and breathing. One should treat everyone's choice(s) equals and not attracting extra attention.

Likewise, imagine if MIT puts this question on the form.
"Are you a vegetarian or meat-eater or both? Check all that apply
- Potatoes
- Spinaches
- Fishes
- Beef
.....

Isn't it funny?

作者: Shootastar 時間: 12-11-14 10:56

本帖最後由 Shootastar 於 12-11-14 11:29 編輯

回復 ModernFamily12 的帖子

They claim that they would not use any discriminatory policy. However they use a "holistic" approach - that means your sexual orientation would be taken into account. You would not know whether your disclosure would not the breaking point of your application (which I guess would be). By using a holistic approach, they can deny your application without saying a word.

As I said, the UK admission officers tend to be honest about the non-discriminatory statement. It is against the UK' anti-discriminatory law.

My knowledge is that if you have a disability and if you are admitted, the support of the UK colleges is fantastic.

作者: ModernFamily12 時間: 12-11-14 11:14

Shootastar, Thanks for your input. As a parent, I'll also suggest the same answer of your choice 'Prefer Not to Answer' to all applicants.

If I were in charge of the admission office, I'll remove this unrelated question from the form.

作者: ANChan59 時間: 12-11-15 08:34

Prefer not to answer is an answer.

Can I choose not applicable or inappropriate?

作者: ModernFamily12 時間: 12-11-15 09:34

No. Not on the list of answers.

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