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I'm a white girl from the midwest. Grew up in the suburbs. No weird religious background, pretty normal family, etc. I was not planning on writing a diversity statement, because I'm as basic as they come. But now I'm hearing rumblings that not writing one looks bad. Sure, I can pull something out of my ass and write three paragraphs, but wouldn't that look worse? Help.

Don't write one. It would look silly.

Ok, so what do I do for the Vandy application, which "welcomes" a diversity statement?

"Welcomes" is not the same thing as "requires."

If you don't have a non-bs diversity statement topic, writing one will make you look silly.

I didn't write one. My personal statement and resume show I offer some diversity, but I don't believe it's enough to warrant another essay. If I were to write one, I would make sure it is of the highest quality. A poor one would hurt you.

Well I came up with two potential topics - growing up and going to college in the rust belt (blue collar attitude, how that shaped my own work ethic despite having college-educated parents from New England) or international work experience (I interned at a non-profit in London for a semester). Still too bullshitty?

You're not diverse. Accept it and move on.

It's not going to hurt you since the vast majority of applicants are just as bland as you are.

Haha, cool, sounds good to me. One less thing I have to write!

Thanks for the tips, everyone.

I read a couple DS focusing on growing up around a blue collar work force and how it impacted potential applicants. Some were good, but I have a feeling it's a topic that is touched on quite a bit. Most of America is blue collar. I don't think being in that situation makes you anymore diverse than the next applicant. The international work experience sounds more intriguing, but it seems more like something to elaborate on for your resume. I think you can skip the DS, just make sure your PS is stellar. Doesn't Vandy do interviews? I think as long as you do fine there you should have no problem.