Is this a good diversity statement topic? Forum

[fiftystorms]

I was placed in special education at a young age and was considered to be at a disadvantage for most of my compulsory education. However, by the time I graduated I had taken a variety of honors and advance placement classes because I wanted to prove my teachers expectations of me were wrong.

Do you think that this would make a good diversity statement? Thank you.

[dnptan]

Possibly. Depends on how you got that inspiration to achieve. Could also be read as an entitlement/revenge piece, or capitalizing on circumstances you were too young to comprehend (depending on how old you were when placed in special ed). Other than that, it should be a good read.

[Nova]

Sounds more like a PS topic

could work tho. write it up and submit in anonymously in the PS/DS forum, and see what people think

[TigerDude]

can you make it about what's different about you that adds value to the LS environment?

[BPlaura]

can you make it about what's different about you that adds value to the LS environment?

I agree with what's been said - what you describe sounds more like a PS. If you can incorporate the sort of angle that TigerDude suggested, it might work.

[fiftystorms]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. My original Personal Statement was that I have witnessed human rights violations abroad on academic delegations in the past that have encouraged me to study law (at a university with a strong international program) so that I could have a bigger impact in international affairs. I am assuming that I should swap topics for both my PS and DS?

[bhs12]

I was placed in special education at a young age and was considered to be at a disadvantage for most of my compulsory education. However, by the time I graduated I had taken a variety of honors and advance placement classes because I wanted to prove my teachers expectations of me were wrong.

Do you think that this would make a good diversity statement? Thank you.

For whatever it's worth:

I think the above commenters are correct to suggest that how you write about these experiences will be determinative as to whether or not they're good material for DS.

I attended a special needs high school; I have multiple disabilities, and have far outperformed my own— let alone anyone else's— expectations. I wrote a diversity statement about having these disabilities, and how the experiences I have had as a result have heightened my awareness of both the challenges certain groups face, and of my own privilege(s).

The point of the DS, as I understand it, is to tell law schools how your experiences have shaped your perspective in a way that will bring a DIVERSITY of viewpoints to their institution. If this experience has shaped you in a way that connects well to themes of diversity/pluralism/etc., then it could be a good topic. If what you really want to do is write about overcoming adversity, then your PS is probably a better place to include this information. Just my .02

[BPlaura]

The point of the DS, as I understand it, is to tell law schools how your experiences have shaped your perspective in a way that will bring a DIVERSITY of viewpoints to their institution. If this experience has shaped you in a way that connects well to themes of diversity/pluralism/etc., then it could be a good topic. If what you really want to do is write about overcoming adversity, then your PS is probably a better place to include this information. Just my .02

Beautifully stated, and it sounds like your DS was great. OP, I'd strongly recommend giving bhs's approach a try.

[Nova]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. My original Personal Statement was that I have witnessed human rights violations abroad on academic delegations in the past that have encouraged me to study law (at a university with a strong international program) so that I could have a bigger impact in international affairs. I am assuming that I should swap topics for both my PS and DS?

Just so you know, International human rights law is really really difficult gig to get.

Like, only the top top schools even give you a real shot.

Outside the T14, it really doesnt matter how good a schools "international program" is. Its extremely unlikely youll attain an international job regardless.

[fiftystorms]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. My original Personal Statement was that I have witnessed human rights violations abroad on academic delegations in the past that have encouraged me to study law (at a university with a strong international program) so that I could have a bigger impact in international affairs. I am assuming that I should swap topics for both my PS and DS?

Just so you know, International human rights law is really really difficult gig to get.

Like, only the top top schools even give you a real shot.

Outside the T14, it really doesnt matter how good a schools "international program" is. Its extremely unlikely youll attain an international job regardless.

I understand the difficulty of obtaining an international job. I wouldn't being going to law school solely based on my interest in international affairs. There are other areas of law that I am interested in. However, I have a stronger international background than anything else so I am trying to use that in my PS or DS.

[bhs12]

The point of the DS, as I understand it, is to tell law schools how your experiences have shaped your perspective in a way that will bring a DIVERSITY of viewpoints to their institution. If this experience has shaped you in a way that connects well to themes of diversity/pluralism/etc., then it could be a good topic. If what you really want to do is write about overcoming adversity, then your PS is probably a better place to include this information. Just my .02

Beautifully stated, and it sounds like your DS was great. OP, I'd strongly recommend giving bhs's approach a try.

Thanks, Laura!

PS: Thanks for all the free advice you/BP dispense on TLS. Much appreciated.