Personal Statement vs. Diversity Statement Forum

[wthelicopt]

Hey folks!

I recently finished writing my personal statement. I wrote about my immigration story as well as my background as a scientist. Would this be more of a diversity statement than a personal statement?

If so, would it benefit more to use this essay as a diversity statement, and then write a more "professional" essay about my career goals, etc to submit as my personal statement?

If not, in which ways can I address my ambitions as a lawyer?

Thanks a lot.

[AntipodeanPhil]

Did you have a career as a scientist before law school? If so, you do need to explain why you're switching careers.

If you're straight out of undergrad, or graduated within the last couple of years, you don't need to explain why you're going to law school or what your career goals are.

If you're current personal statement is interesting and well written, you would be best to keep it as your personal statement IMO, unless you can write something really interesting about your career goals.

[wthelicopt]

Hello Phil. Thanks for the reply.

By scientist, I meant my background as a science student in undergrad and grad schools.

So I shouldn't bother with a diversity statement?

Thanks again!

[honeybadger12]

I'm in a similar situation where my PS speaks to diversity. There are different opinions; some people say you should always write a DS because it gives you 50% more space to talk to the admissions committee and let them know who you are. Other people agree with Phil that less is more unless your additional statement is really adding something to the app. I tend to agree with the latter group. Also it depends on your numbers; e.g. for me I might write a DS for Stanford (Yale already has an extra essay) but not for H/CCN.