If you were me, would you write a diversity statement? Forum

[Kess]

I am currently in the process of putting together my personal statement and my initial thoughts were to write it on how being an immigrant from Belarus and being from a family that does not speak English well, has motivated me to become an attorney. I am particularly focusing on something that happened a few years ago. My grandmother was wrongly served a notice of eviction and since no one else in my family speaks English, it was my involvement that rectified the situation.

In short, my question is this, is that a normal topic for a personal statement? Or am I better off using that as a diversity statement and writing about something else for my personal statement?

[theadvancededit]

That is totally normal for a personal statement and can be a strong one. While some of the facts you've raised -- you living in Belarus and from a non-English speaking family -- are usually found in diversity statements, you're able to make it immediately relevant to why you want to pursue law, so it's perfectly applicable for a personal statement.

[Kess]

Thanks, I would probably make it into a diversity statement if I had something else that's interesting to write my PS on.

[cutecarmel]

I think you statement could go either way. If you talk about why that diversity lead you to want to go to law school, it would be a good PS. If you talk about why it makes you unique, it would be a good DS.

Since not all school require a DS, If I were you, I would write the topic as both a PS and a DS and for the schools that require a DS, write a different PS.

Hope that made since

[shoeshine]

No. DS statements are literally a waste of time.