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Should I write a DS?

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 2:34 am
by hawee
I'm considering writing a DS, but know if I should.

I grew up in a predominantly chinese speaking household and followed chinese tradition for the most part. My parents immigrated here and although they can speak english, it is broken english.

I could discuss the difficulties of my upbringing. My parents were rarely able to help with my academics due to their lack of understanding English.

What do you guys think?

Also do all Law Schools accept diversity statements?

Re: Should I write a DS?

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 3:14 am
by theadvancededit
Diversity statements are primarily about how one has or is overcoming adversity of some sort. You raise some good points about your parents not being able to help you with academics, but how else has this affected you? It may seem obvious to you, but this would be the crux of your DS, so you have to be able to put it into words. Start thinking about how this has affected you and, if so, how you overcame it.

Re: Should I write a DS?

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 9:44 am
by jcarsen
I would disagree that a diversity statement has to be about overcoming adversity. This is a popular theme, but the main purpose of a diversity statement is to show, simply, how you'd bring diverse perspectives/experience/etc. to the entering class. Your experience would certainly qualify.

Best,
Jen Carsen
Law School Statement Editor
http://www.spam.com

Re: Should I write a DS?

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 1:00 pm
by dani_burhop
The topic you propose is a standard DS topic, and as long as you don't repeat that content in your PS, it will work well in a DS.

Best, Dani

Re: Should I write a DS?

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 3:31 pm
by theadvancededit
jcarsen wrote:I would disagree that a diversity statement has to be about overcoming adversity. This is a popular theme, but the main purpose of a diversity statement is to show, simply, how you'd bring diverse perspectives/experience/etc. to the entering class. Your experience would certainly qualify.
No, it doesn't have to be about overcoming adversity. However, it is part of what the OP is thinking of:
hawee wrote: I could discuss the difficulties of my upbringing. My parents were rarely able to help with my academics due to their lack of understanding English.

Re: Should I write a DS?

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 3:48 pm
by TheFriendlyBarber
You should definitely write one.