Diversity Statement Topic?

Comments

• FixedDice Member

  July 2018 1804 karma

  Writing a diversity statement on being a woman... This is the first time I heard someone recommend that approach.

  Being the only Latina at an all-white school could definitely be a nice topic. I would personally be careful about the "white" part though (one can learn only so much about another person's heritage based on the color of his or her skin).
• 2 Likes

  Nabintou-1 Alum Member

  July 2018 410 karma

  Hey!

  So I think there's a reason why you have the current version of your diversity statement that you do---it's an important story, one that's yours, and so one only you can tell. I've heard repeatedly, re: both, PSs and DSs, that what admissions committees love most is authenticity and personality. And I feel like the fact that you geared toward writing your DS about being a first generation high school graduate and working your way through college says a lot---that it's a story you believe you can tell really well. So, I say stick with it!

  Praying you have a successful cycle. Good luck!
• 1 Like

  JustDoIt Alum Member ⭐

  July 2018 3112 karma

  I like the first generation essay but feel that could also be a great personal statement. Remember that you're diversity statement is only one page so you may be limiting yourself if you make this your diversity statement.
• Giselle112 Alum Member

  July 2018 151 karma

  @Nabintou said:
  Hey!

  So I think there's a reason why you have the current version of your diversity statement that you do---it's an important story, one that's yours, and so one only you can tell. I've heard repeatedly, re: both, PSs and DSs, that what admissions committees love most is authenticity and personality. And I feel like the fact that you geared toward writing your DS about being a first generation high school graduate and working your way through college says a lot---that it's a story you believe you can tell really well. So, I say stick with it!

  Praying you have a successful cycle. Good luck!

  Thank you for your input! Good luck to you as well!
• samantha.ashley92 Alum Member

  July 2018 1777 karma

  Oh, I like what @JustDoIt said! Do you have a personal statement topic? If not, maybe make a story about your life in school into your personal statement.
• 1 Like

  Giselle112 Alum Member

  July 2018 151 karma

  @"samantha.ashley92" said:
  Oh, I like what @JustDoIt said! Do you have a personal statement topic? If not, maybe make a story about your life in school into your personal statement.

  I do have a personal statement topic! It's a story about my dad being imprisoned before I was born and growing up during the Tough on Crime Era and in California where the Three Strikes Law was passed. I tie it into my teaching experience and my interactions with students in juvenile detention facilities and their parents in the criminal justice system. So, I think that is a compelling story requiring the extra space. I'm just trying to figure out how to best use the diversity statement. But one page is so short /:
• Leah M B Alum Member ⭐

  July 2018 8392 karma

  I think either of these options would make a fine diversity statement, so you should write whichever one you feel more passionate about. Or maybe even try writing both and seeing which one turns out better. You shouldn't feel forced to write anything specific, it should be something meaningful to you and something that had an effect on you. Both options are great!
• samantha.ashley92 Alum Member

  July 2018 1777 karma

  I think you have a great topic! I think some schools actually ask if you're the first person in your family to graduate from high school. If they don't, that's a great thing to write about. Schools love that stuff because it shows a little extra ambition.