2 paged Diversity Statement

Comments

• Snowball Member

  January 2015 111 karma

  I have the same question here
• 1 Like

  joegotbored-1 Alum Member

  January 2015 802 karma

  My Why X? addenda were nearly 2 pages. I think if you're worried about it, try keeping it to 1.25 or 1.5 pages as a compromise. Just remember to keep it double spaced, 12 point font, 1 inch margin. If you're 2 pages single spaced or with smaller margins, they will not be happy!
  
  Also, as a reader, I don't mind length when it's meaningful. I read lots of applications for executive level positions as part of some volunteer work I do and nothing is worse than a useless cover letter. Your DS should read like a story, be well-written, and be explicitly related to your interest in the study of law. If that puts you to nearly 2 pages, so be it. But, if you write something that comes off as unrelated, out of sequence, bitter, or just a restatement of your CV, it won't be of benefit to your app.
  
  If you keep those things in mind, 2 pages is fine. If you can only keep those standards for a page and little more...then that's where you stop. If you're super worried, you could always email the admissions team and ask if submitting a 2 page DS is appropriate. They're usually super nice folks and are quick to respond.
  
  Remember, these places need diversity! Don't be bashful if you have a good story to tell about yourself.
• 1 Like

  deedsLsat Free Trial Member

  January 2015 35 karma

  Hey joegotbored-1, thank you! I appreciate your response I think I have 2 pages worth lol
• Snowball Member

  January 2015 111 karma

  This is very helpful! Thank you'
• James Ray Alum Member

  January 2015 186 karma

  Schools will read whatever you send but they prefer DS's and other addenda to be no longer than one page if possible.
• [Deleted User] Free Trial

  January 2015 edited January 2015 578 karma

  If they say 1 page, they mean 1 page and they want 1 page. If you go over that, you show you are not capable of following directions.
  
  Some may say "usually students write up to 1 page" in the instructions. Take that as "we expect you to do the same"
  
  Source: Harvard representative talking about personal statements and optional essays.
• 1 Like

  jdawg113 Alum Inactive ⭐

  January 2015 2654 karma

  I would try to cut it down a bit, go through and get rid of any fillers if any, they want to know what adversity you have overcome/what makes you different, not to read a story. If you NEED two pages then I don't think it'd be a big problem but I would try to get it to 1 if possible