WHEN TO SUBMIT DIVERSITY STATEMENT? Forum

[Schang1]

I would love to hear TLS members' advice on this. So I've noticed that a majority of the law schools don't have specific "diversity statement" attachment tabs, but rather something like "supplemental attachment", "additional information", "addendums", "additional addendums" etc. However, I am having a hard time trying to figure out WHEN to submit or not to submit my diversity statement. Like with U Penn or Michigan, I am planning to send in my diversity statement (just about being born in Korea but having moved to the Philippines when I was 5 years old -- nothing spectacular) since they have those as an optional essay. But there are schools like Boston College for example, that have this type of prompt:

It is the policy of Boston College Law School to assure fair and equal treatment in the admissions process and not to discriminate because of race; color; gender; age; religion; disability; national origin or ancestry; sexual orientation; and marital, family, or military status. Boston College Law School also prides itself on providing a legal education to those who have overcome significant obstacles in their lives.

If there are economic, cultural or social factors that you have overcome and that you wish for us to consider when evaluating your record, please upload a statement.

I can't draw the line between what is overcoming significant obstacles and what isn't.

Also, what do you do for schools that just have something like, "Please attach any other additional information that you would like for the admission committee to consider." The language is really vague. Do you think I should just submit a diversity statement along with my gpa/lsat addendums?

Please please help.. this is driving me nuts!

I called 24 schools yesterday and every single one of them told me that I could submit a diversity statement, but I talked with one admissions consulting person, and she said that schools will all say "yes" but that I shouldn't submit DSs to schools that don't have specific DS as optional essays. I can't submit my apps right now because I can't decide whether or not my DS is appropriate for schools like BC who clearly lay out "overcoming significant obstacles".... ANY help would be greatly appreciated....

[Schang1]

Will I get points off for submitting something that isn't required? Like can I just submit my DS to every school? I think that would make my life so much easier since I can submit all 24 apps today -- but I am just afraid that the schools will read it and be like "this is not overcoming any significant obstacles. you don't know how to follow instructions. good bye" and just automatically reject me. Please help!

[bk1]

If you've written a DS, I would say submit it if a school specifically asks for one or if they say "you may submit any additional materials." Some people submit it even if a school doesn't ask for it.

[Schang1]

If you've written a DS, I would say submit it if a school specifically asks for one or if they say "you may submit any additional materials." Some people submit it even if a school doesn't ask for it.

Thank you so much for the quick response!! But for a school like BC who specifically says "overcoming obstacles" should I not submit one if it doesn't have to do with overcoming hardships?

[bk1]

If you've written a DS, I would say submit it if a school specifically asks for one or if they say "you may submit any additional materials." Some people submit it even if a school doesn't ask for it.

Thank you so much for the quick response!! But for a school like BC who specifically says "overcoming obstacles" should I not submit one if it doesn't have to do with overcoming hardships?

I think BC's and ones are like it are sufficient to have any DS even if your DS isn't about overcoming.

[Schang1]

If you've written a DS, I would say submit it if a school specifically asks for one or if they say "you may submit any additional materials." Some people submit it even if a school doesn't ask for it.

Thank you so much for the quick response!! But for a school like BC who specifically says "overcoming obstacles" should I not submit one if it doesn't have to do with overcoming hardships?

I think BC's and ones are like it are sufficient to have any DS even if your DS isn't about overcoming.

Thank you !!

[Angrygeopolitically]

LOL I am such an idiot. I was about to say, "with your application" in response to the thread title.

[Schang1]

LOL I am such an idiot. I was about to say, "with your application" in response to the thread title.

hahaha no worries. maybe I should go ahead and change my title lol

[EKR11]

I thought I was the only one faced with this dilemma. Would it be appropriate to submit a diversity statement along with my addendum if the school simply states "Applicants also may submit a supplemental statement to provide additional clarification for any other aspect of their application"?

[Schang1]

I thought I was the only one faced with this dilemma. Would it be appropriate to submit a diversity statement along with my addendum if the school simply states "Applicants also may submit a supplemental statement to provide additional clarification for any other aspect of their application"?

I'm planning to after what all the folks have been telling me!