optional essay - how optional?

[BorntoRun]

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How does the non-diverse candidate handle the semi-optional 'diversity essay'? Have any of you had to deal with this?

At one of the schools to which I'm applying, there is a diversity statement, which could qualify you for fellowships, support the mission of the school to promote diversity, etc. (I'm sure you've all seen the kind of essay I mean- they seem pretty common.) The impression I get is that the essay is somewhat optional, and it is in addition to your more typical 'why are you qualified to go to graduate school' personal statement.

My question is, as a completely non-diverse candidate (racially, economically, educationally), is it better to overemphasize small hardships and struggles I've experienced, or is it better to skip the essay entirely? I'm the kind of person who always writes the optional essay (I think most of us are), but in this case is it better to have no essay or a BS one?

 

[JockNerd]

I've never heard of a diversity essay. Could you maybe post the essay instructions?

 

[Ollie123]

If the essay says "Support the mission of the school to promote diversity", maybe you could write about working with minority populations, incorporating culturally diverse activities into the program, etc.?

That's my only thought, but it depends a lot on how exactly the question is worded whether or not that would be helpful, or just make it look like you didn't read the question.

I'd definitely avoid a "Its hard being a rich white man, because once a kid at school called me cracka" type essay. It might get you some laughs, but not the good kind of laughs.

 

[BorntoRun]

I've never heard of a diversity essay. Could you maybe post the essay instructions?

Sure - to paraphrase most of the ones I've seen:

"The University of So-and-So supports diversity among its student body. We invite you to submit an essay describing how your unique experiences (economic disadvantage, special skills, race/ethnicity) will contribute to diversity in our program."

They include things like 'special skills' but my impression is that what they really want is a statement about 'hardship' and more classic forms of racial/economic struggles. Although I could be wrong, but it seems that compared to an essay which describes the coming out process and being cut off from one's parents (as described in another thread), the "I'm great with computers, which makes me diverse!" statement seems ridiculous in comparison.

 

[KillerDiller]

There are more ways to be diverse than are apparent at first glance. What about your theoretical orientation or approach to psychological research? Consider your religion; even if you are a Christian who is surrounded by atheists or an atheist surrounded by Christians, this can count. Do you speak with an accent and plan to attend school in the Midwest? Are you from a rural area? Are you an avid environmentalist or a staunch conservative? I in no way encourage you to blow these issues out of proportion, but most of us have had to struggle with stereotyping and diversity at one point or another and, as such, have the potential to bring unconventional views to a program.

 

[psychwanabe]

I was faced with a similar issue when applying. I think the instructions were to "address issues of diversity in your life" in the personal statement. I could have taken the "well I'm a woman and sometimes I'm marginalized" approach, but I didn't feel any more comfortable doing that than you seem to writing about minor issues you may have faced.

I answered this prompt based on my exposure to a minority population through my studies, and through volunteer work. Since I am interested in working with that population, and the University had a faculty member that focused on that population, I could write about what I knew, saw, and what I wanted to further study. I got an interview and an offer from them, so I guess my approach worked.

Hope that helps some!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I answered this prompt based on my exposure to a minority population through my studies, and through volunteer work.

That's what I'm thinking (and what I did when I applied).

-t

 

[BorntoRun]

Thanks guys. I think I was secretly hoping someone would say, "skip the essay" because I'm so darn sick of writing these things, but you all gave me some pretty good advice. I think I will write it after all. Once it's written, if I think it's lousy I will probably exclude it from the application, but it can't hurt to give it a shot.

 

[joetro]

I'm pretty sure I filled out an essay like you've described for the school I'm currently at - maybe we're talking about the same one! At any rate, don't skip it. You can talk about volunteer or research experiences with diverse populations. You could also discuss how your current research interests include ones related to promoting diversity (if that's true).