I understand the diversity course gives socioeconomic + early respond ability which I have both. However, I am a white, straight male and have been told by pretty much everyone that I am not diverse and would have nothing to in that department. TLS for instance is universally negative, and to be honest most adcomms have given lukewarm responses at best. Is it better if I don't do it even if I think it would add to the diversity, or is it really just race/sexuality?

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26 comments

  • Wednesday, Jul 05 2017

    How would I include that in my application? Send it in addition to the personal statement? Where would I be able to upload or share that in addition to my personal statement?

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  • Wednesday, Jul 05 2017

    @jkatz1488955 said:

    @52323 no stupid questions! They are different.

    Here is how @danielznelson160 explained a diversity statement

    "Diversity statements are usually about a quality you have that is underrepresented at law school and will thus add to the diversity of the student body. Examples, include ethnic minority, low income, non-traditional student (older or homeschooled), and other unique traits that are underrepresented."

    Couldn't have said it better myself.

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  • Tuesday, Jul 04 2017

    @52323 no stupid questions! They are different.

    Here is how @danielznelson160 explained a diversity statement

    "Diversity statements are usually about a quality you have that is underrepresented at law school and will thus add to the diversity of the student body. Examples, include ethnic minority, low income, non-traditional student (older or homeschooled), and other unique traits that are underrepresented."

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  • Tuesday, Jul 04 2017

    @52323 said:

    A diversity statement is different than the actual personal statement? Or are they two of the same lol, might be a stupid question

    Different.

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  • Tuesday, Jul 04 2017

    A diversity statement is different than the actual personal statement? Or are they two of the same lol, might be a stupid question

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  • Tuesday, Jul 04 2017

    I'm white and I plan to write a diversity statement about my childhood experience with poverty.

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  • Tuesday, Jul 04 2017

    diversity isn't only limited to skin color and sexual orientation.

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  • Tuesday, Jul 04 2017

    I'm assuming the personal statement and diversity statement are separate? Or the same?

    I'm a white European/middle eastern background. My mom being Italian and my father from Afghanistan, I want to write about growing up and experiencing the culture of both sides and how polar opposite they are etc .. especially about the transition into an islamaphobic society

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  • Tuesday, Jul 04 2017

    Is a URM statement and Diversity statement - same thing? Should I write a URM statement if a military veteran? Same thing for Diversity statement? Am I considered URM as a military veteran?

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  • Tuesday, Jun 27 2017

    @anthonyleerevolt816 said:

    @kimberleemcmillin935 said:

    I agree with @danielznelson160. We can't comment on a diversity statement when we don't know what diversity topic you'll use.

    It would be on childhood poverty and taking care of someone who is mentally ill from that age.

    I would be really careful about doing this. What I worry about is that they'll read your statement and miss the point you're making about how you'd add to the diversity of the student body. On the other hand, if you can flesh that theme out a bit, it might really help.

    Otherwise, if I can be frank, I wouldn't make a diversity statement.

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  • Monday, Jun 26 2017

    I am 51 years old... it's never too late.

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  • Monday, Jun 26 2017

    I'm a white middle aged male. I am disabled, so we do have diversity, you don't have to create one, you probably have something that makes you attractive and unique... find it and use it.

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  • Friday, Jun 23 2017

    I'm in a similar situation. I'm a cis-gen white male but I'm also considered a "non-traditional student as I'm applying to law school at the age of 32. I feel as though I have a diverse story to tell and plan on doing so.

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  • Tuesday, Jun 20 2017

    Though I am partially European, Native American, and Jewish, I consider myself a straight, white male. I can't justify submitting a tome of genealogy before the admissions committee thinking they will inspect it. So, I will opt for writing about being a first-generation college graduate and living in the Middle East, both as a government tool and as a student of Arabic.

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  • Wednesday, Jun 14 2017

    Hi there,

    Childhood poverty and taking care of someone with a mental illness would be great topics for a diversity statement. Indeed, it's hard to imagine those experiences didn't affect your worldview in a profound way.

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  • Wednesday, Jun 14 2017

    I'm a white dude and I wrote a DS about being a white dude who is socially/politically progressive in the Deep South. I was nervous about it too. It feels like something that is meant for others who have not enjoyed our wide ranging privileges. It's awkward to benefit from something that feels like that, but that just isn't all that diversity means. Is there something about your background that makes you view the world in a unique way? Is there something about your experience that provides you with particular insights that others don't have access to? That's diversity.

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  • Wednesday, Jun 14 2017

    I'm from Winterfell but I'm still considering writing a DS...think my bastard upbringing under a lord would be an important story to tell. People called me "Lord Snow." I've always hated that nickname.

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  • Wednesday, Jun 14 2017

    : I don't define diversity for you, you write about your diverse experience." Short to say is you get to write about what you think is distinct/unique about yourself. The officers do not limit you. You can only limit yourself.

    I really like that. At the end of the day, the question is "Do you have a story to tell?". The application is one big story and DS is part of that.

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  • Wednesday, Jun 14 2017

    This is a quote from an admissions officer at Boston College Law School says when he's reviewing DS : I don't define diversity for you, you write about your diverse experience." Short to say is you get to write about what you think is distinct/unique about yourself. The officers do not limit you. You can only limit yourself. So, as a human being you have something that shaped your perception of life that others do not. Write about whatever that is and you will be fine (assuming you have proofread and edited).

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  • Wednesday, Jun 14 2017

    A lot of people confuse diversity to mean only race/sex ... people are diverse in many other ways ... socioeconomically, by viewpoint, by their childhood, by their background.... if you sit on some school forums, they will confirm this as well. Sounds like you have an interesting story. I would go for it!

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  • Tuesday, Jun 13 2017

    Of course you can. Being black isn't the only way to be diverse lmao.

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  • Tuesday, Jun 13 2017

    Yeah, that sounds like a great topic for a diversity statement. I have read some great DS's on poverty. You really want to highlight your unique experiences, what insights you have gained from those experiences, and how that will make you a great contribution to the class and add to its diversity. In other words, it is not just about having a topic that fits a DS, but more about having a great story to tell about that topic.

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  • Tuesday, Jun 13 2017

    I would say that you could definitely write one about that topic. Although I'm black, my DS is gonna be about the same thing.

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  • Tuesday, Jun 13 2017

    @kimberleemcmillin935 said:

    I agree with @danielznelson160. We can't comment on a diversity statement when we don't know what diversity topic you'll use.

    It would be on childhood poverty and taking care of someone who is mentally ill from that age.

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  • Tuesday, Jun 13 2017

    I agree with @danielznelson160. We can't comment on a diversity statement when we don't know what diversity topic you'll use.

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