non-URM diversity statement: ADVICE APPRECIATED Forum

[Ramsey]

I'm non-URM international student thinking of writing a diversity statement on one of the two topics:

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I've got a lot of great advices. Thank you all!

[Nova]

LOL @ Mensa material. Do not write about having a high IQ or qualifying for Mensa. Mensa is a joke. Referring to Mensa eligibility makes you look like a douche, and douches are not under represented in law school.

That being said, either of those statements would technically be ok, but neither are that great. Pretty sure over 40% of law students are female, so that doesnt make you too diverse, or that underrepresented. Writing about your physiological disability has the potential to be a decent DS, but again, please dont mention Mensa or focus on your high IQ. Focus on the disability and how you have dealt with it.

GPA addendum + DS is fine.

[Ramsey]

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[BuckeyeGirl]

That being said, either of those statements would technically be ok, but neither are that great. Pretty sure over 40% of law students are female, so that doesnt make you too diverse, or that underrepresented.

i'm not sure I totally agree with this. I think this has less to do with her experience as a female, than her specific cultural experiences which happened because she was female....and certainly are unique. I was interested in just the few sentences you wrote and think with a little finesse that could be developed into a fine diversity statement.

Just my thoughts

[Nova]

That being said, either of those statements would technically be ok, but neither are that great. Pretty sure over 40% of law students are female, so that doesnt make you too diverse, or that underrepresented.

i'm not sure I totally agree with this. I think this has less to do with her experience as a female, than her specific cultural experiences which happened because she was female....and certainly are unique. I was interested in just the few sentences you wrote and think with a little finesse that could be developed into a fine diversity statement.

Just my thoughts

Fair.

2) I'm thinking of writing a DS on (1) and incorporate (2) into my PS - would my PS be too personal?

I think this is a good strategy.

[cutecarmel]

That being said, either of those statements would technically be ok, but neither are that great. Pretty sure over 40% of law students are female, so that doesnt make you too diverse, or that underrepresented.

Eh. You don't have to be a URM to write a diversity statement. Her diversity has more to do with her culture than her gender.

I really like it. I've heard about discrimination against women in Asian communities, but I never imagined that it went that far. I think its a great idea.

I think an addendum for your GPA is good, since you worked full time. Don't worry about it being too much because a lot of schools won't ask for or won't accept a diversity statement. (Only 1 out of the 10 schools I applied for asked for one)

I like the idea of writing about #2 for you PS. For those schools that don't require a diversity statement, adding the adversity that you faced in #1 would be a good idea too.

I think both make you stand out as an applicant.

Good luck!

[Ohiobumpkin]

That being said, either of those statements would technically be ok, but neither are that great. Pretty sure over 40% of law students are female, so that doesnt make you too diverse, or that underrepresented.

i'm not sure I totally agree with this. I think this has less to do with her experience as a female, than her specific cultural experiences which happened because she was female....and certainly are unique. I was interested in just the few sentences you wrote and think with a little finesse that could be developed into a fine diversity statement.

Just my thoughts

Agreed.

[JCFindley]

I really like the first one myself as it is about a cultural difference and far more than simply about the gender. Actually, I truly enjoyed reading the little that you put on here.

Mensa, not so much.

[ChikaBoom]

I like your first idea, especially given that you are currently working in an area that could make a difference in that particular issue. It makes you seem logical and also motivated. Alot of people like to think that their childhood or their minor brushes with adversity set them apart from the pack. Few do anything that directly relates to it, so it comes off as 'look at poor pitiful me, now admit me' rather than 'here is why I do what I do, and how I intend to continue'.

I wouldn't necessarily go with the second topic. You're clearly not retarded and able to do quite well in your studies, so advising the adcomms of previous issues seems like digging a hole that you would have to write very well to get out of. You can always write it up and put it out for critique.

It seems a better idea to show strength to the adcomms rather than weakness, that's all.

I'd love to read your stuff when you get it written out.

[Helicio]

Agree with Nova, do not do the MENSA idea.