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Diversity statement?

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:32 pm
by Chickensoup
As a white, middle-class male, what kind of options do I have for the diversity statement?

I studied abroad in London, so I was thinking of writing about how I met all kinds of people from different countries. Also, I am Italian-American, so I guess I am slightly more "diverse" than your average white person. Could I write about that?

Is it a bad idea to not write a diversity statement at all?

Re: Diversity statement?

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 11:59 pm
by vanwinkle
You should only write a diversity statement if you know you have actual diversity to add to the school. If you're having to reach for something to write about, that's a sign you might be better off not writing one at all.

Re: Diversity statement?

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 2:31 am
by Jaqen
Either of the two ideas you listed would come across as (and probably would be) forced, imo.

If you don't have anything to write about, then don't write one. And no, I don't think the absence of a DS will be held against you.

Re: Diversity statement?

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 7:05 pm
by USMCMatt
Unless you have something really unique in your background like military experience (although we veterans are not quite as unique as we once were, we still represent only about 2% of law students) or another somewhat uncommon experience, a white guy trying to play diversity is silly and the AdComms dont appreciate it. ADversity, on the other had, transcends racial and ethnic backgrounds. If you were super poor or living on the streets that would be great. Honestly, unless you are a URM you should put your selling points into a really great basic admission essay. I agree with other that it may be forced. Italian-American doesn't really mean anything. I am Scottish-American which means I am white. You are too. Sorry.

Re: Diversity statement?

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 7:26 pm
by Cobretti
Chickensoup wrote:As a white, middle-class male, what kind of options do I have for the diversity statement?

I studied abroad in London, so I was thinking of writing about how I met all kinds of people from different countries. Also, I am Italian-American, so I guess I am slightly more "diverse" than your average white person. Could I write about that?

Is it a bad idea to not write a diversity statement at all?
I don't believe any of this, shouldn't your username be Minestrone?

But seriously like everyone else said, don't write a forced diversity statement. I wish italian-american counted, I'd be in the money too, but it doesn't.