"Strongly encouraged" essay questions

[member10420]

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Hi guys,

I was just wondering about how optional the "strongly encouraged" essay questions are. For example, Stanford's application asks us to talk about ways we would be able to contribute to the diversity of an entering class (diversity defined very broadly). My pre-med dean told me not to answer if I felt that what I would be saying was BS. How bad would it be to leave it blank if there are very few "unique and personally important" factors that allow me to contribute to diversity? Do people ever get in without answering those questions?

 

[Nandrolone]

Hi guys,

I was just wondering about how optional the "strongly encouraged" essay questions are. For example, Stanford's application asks us to talk about ways we would be able to contribute to the diversity of an entering class (diversity defined very broadly). My pre-med dean told me not to answer if I felt that what I would be saying was BS. How bad would it be to leave it blank if there are very few "unique and personally important" factors that allow me to contribute to diversity? Do people ever get in without answering those questions?

I feel like not answering such an important question would put me at a disadvantage. I would rather seem cliche and sound like BS than leave a question blank.

 

[NickNaylor]

Hi guys,

I was just wondering about how optional the "strongly encouraged" essay questions are. For example, Stanford's application asks us to talk about ways we would be able to contribute to the diversity of an entering class (diversity defined very broadly). My pre-med dean told me not to answer if I felt that what I would be saying was BS. How bad would it be to leave it blank if there are very few "unique and personally important" factors that allow me to contribute to diversity? Do people ever get in without answering those questions?

To be frank, if you can't answer that question you really shouldn't even apply to those schools. Questions like that are really where you get the chance to sell yourself and "make your case." I'm sure there are people that will get in without answering it (the absolute numbers + EC beasts), but you likely aren't one of those people. After all, if you can't say some things about yourself that would make the school want to accept you, why should the school invest any more time or resources into learning about you (i.e., inviting you to interview)?

Do more thinking and try and come up with something. I agree that you shouldn't use BS as that'll just be a waste of your time and money. That said, I'm sure there are things you can bring to the table if you think creatively.

 

[emystar]

Hi guys,

I was just wondering about how optional the "strongly encouraged" essay questions are. For example, Stanford's application asks us to talk about ways we would be able to contribute to the diversity of an entering class (diversity defined very broadly). My pre-med dean told me not to answer if I felt that what I would be saying was BS. How bad would it be to leave it blank if there are very few "unique and personally important" factors that allow me to contribute to diversity? Do people ever get in without answering those questions?

A similar question is on another secondary, and I thought that I would have the same problem as I've never really considered myself to contribute to diversity much. Instead that I found that brainstorming and writing that essay gave me a new way to look at my background and how I actually do contribute to diversity. I imagine if you go through your background, education, and other experiences you will find something to write about that is not BS. I doubt not writing it would be a red flag, but when 90% of other people have taken the time to write something, I would guess you would be at a disadvantage

 

[NickNaylor]

A similar question is on another secondary, and I thought that I would have the same problem as I've never really considered myself to contribute to diversity much. Instead that I found that brainstorming and writing that essay gave me a new way to look at my background and how I actually do contribute to diversity. I imagine if you go through your background, education, and other experiences you will find something to write about that is not BS. I doubt not writing it would be a red flag, but when 90% of other people have taken the time to write something, I would guess you would be at a disadvantage

Exactly. It's hard to answer questions like this because you take many things that are truly unique and insightful in your life for granted. Taking some time to reflect on your life and experiences is well worth the time as it will continue to pay dividends throughout the cycle.

 

[blizzah]

About Half of all secondaries ask about diversity. Most won't be optional. Better find some way in which you are diverse soon

 

[MT Headed]

Of course by not answering the question it makes you a very unique applicant, and it really sets you apart from all the ordinary folks who provide an answer. The applicant who does not provide an answer certainly adds diversity to the applicant pool.

 

[NickNaylor]

Of course by not answering the question it makes you a very unique applicant, and it really sets you apart from all the ordinary folks who provide an answer. The applicant who does not provide an answer certainly adds diversity to the applicant pool.

Careful now, there are people desperate and stupid enough to actually believe you.

 

[Narmerguy]

Exactly. It's hard to answer questions like this because you take many things that are truly unique and insightful in your life for granted. Taking some time to reflect on your life and experiences is well worth the time as it will continue to pay dividends throughout the cycle.

Another strategy is to ask friends/family members what they think. Often they may point to stuff you never think about.

 

[kfsa1]

Sorry to hijack the thread but I was hoping someone could comment on my situation for this diversity question.

-I am a non-traditional applicant. In the years off from school, I once was at a point where I had no income, support system, or any healthcare involvement (because I was too focused on getting a job so I didn't consider volunteer activities). It was a really tough time for me as all I could do was think negatively but I turned things around after months of contemplation/reflection, changing the way I view life in general (I.E became more appreciative of everything in life, released sense of entitlement, started conserving and not spending the money I had saved up on materialistic/unnecessary things).

-I also plan to mention (although maybe a bit BS) how I came to this country without knowing any English as an 8 year old and managed to overcome the language barrier (through dedication to learning the language, positive interaction with other students...etc?)

-I can also fluently speak Korean (native tongue) and great at speaking Japanese.

-I have been president of a tennis club for 3 years at my undergrad and I was hoping to start a tennis club at med schools that don't have them.

I was wondering if any of these experiences can contribute to the "diversity" question? The first one listed was very important to me...although I feel that many will have had similar experiences but maybe under different circumstances.

Thanks!