Will being a female in STEM give me an advantage when applying to schools?

Hi Nicole -- Not a myth...but not a truth either (in my opinion)!

There are many factors to consider...I came across this recent publication (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2016/03/13/want-an-edge-in-college-admissions-see-the-schools-where-women-and-men-have-an-advantage/?utm_term=.a9434fcccb89) that provides:

At many top liberal arts colleges, men are accepted at a higher rate than women. Examples: Vassar, Davidson, Bates, Pomona and Swarthmore.
At several schools known for a focus on science and engineering the reverse is true. Examples: Harvey Mudd, Carnegie Mellon, California Institute of Technology and MIT.

“Our applicant pool is very deep with excellent men and women applicants,” MIT’s dean of admissions, Stu Schmill, told The Post. “The data don’t show that it is easier to be admitted as a woman applicant — that would only be true if our male and female applicant pools were equivalent. But the women who apply are a more self-selecting group.

“Therefore, while the number of women applicants is smaller, the quality is extremely high. This is why we are able to enroll a very gender-balanced class, with all students meeting the same high academic and personal standards, and why women do just as well if not better once here at MIT.”

Be focused, be brave and you will be rewarded...believe me!