Do you need to submit a Diversity Statement? Forum

[lawschoolgirl312]

Does it look bad if you don't??

[Clemenceau]

Are you...diverse?

[cheesy145]

I think it looks bad when you force one where its not natural. Like don't write one if you're doing it just to submit the essay. Its optional

[debdeb2]

no you do not, and it does not look bad if you do not. Diversity statements work as a way for applicants to self-disclose personal information that may or may not help their applications, and may or may not result in additional scholarships.

If your upbringing/racial background is diverse, you're the first in your family to go to college, or you grew up in difficult circumstances, this is a chance to tell a story about that. Diversity statements are typically framed around a narrative of overcoming odds.

Additional note: 1L is hard; you might help yourself out of a spot by sharing too much. That is: a story that shows you have a history of struggling with pressure might unfortunately imply to the adcomms that the challenge of law school may be too much for you.

Best of luck