{"id":231,"date":"2016-02-23T12:00:53","date_gmt":"2016-02-23T20:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/lsat\/?p=231"},"modified":"2019-04-19T07:15:42","modified_gmt":"2019-04-19T14:15:42","slug":"how-to-write-a-law-school-diversity-statement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/lsat\/how-to-write-a-law-school-diversity-statement\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Law School Diversity Statement"},"content":{"rendered":"

In our last post, we highlighted a sometimes-overlooked piece of law school admissions applications \u2013 the optional essay<\/a>. One of the most common prompts for the optional essay will ask you about how you\u2019ll contribute to a law school\u2019s campus and class diversity. The law school diversity statement challenges many people who get caught up on what diversity is and how they can possibly contribute to it when they don\u2019t belong to a certain race, ethnicity, or gender. <\/p>\n

Also, be sure to check out our advice for underrepresented minority law school applicants<\/a> as well as our complete guide to getting into law school<\/a>! <\/p>\n

Now without further ado, let’s jump in and look at some tips for writing a diversity statement! <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Broaden your definition of diversity<\/h3>\n

To write an effective diversity statement, you\u2019ll first need to think outside the box a little.<\/strong> Ignore any of the parameters of diversity that you\u2019ve been taught to stay within. For example, just because you\u2019re not a member of a minority group doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re not a candidate with diverse skills, talents, and experiences!
\n 
\nThink about parts of your character or aspects of your background that make you stand out from other applicants.<\/strong> If that happens to be your commitment to voicing the cause of underrepresented groups, that\u2019d make for great content for this essay. But by no means is that the only thing that qualifies as a diverse experience. If you grew up in a major city, you could discuss how that environment transformed you by giving you the opportunity to work and study alongside people from varying socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Or if you\u2019ve spent time volunteering in another country, reflect on how your encounters broadened your horizons. Experience abroad isn\u2019t a prerequisite for diversity, either \u2013 plenty of volunteer and work exposure right in your own backyard can be eye-opening.
\n 
\nYou might also choose to write about a personal challenge that you\u2019ve faced<\/strong>, which has helped build your resilience and character. Instead of focusing on the challenge, though, focus on how you overcame it and showed strength despite adversity. That is, don\u2019t get so caught up with telling admissions officers about any struggles you\u2019ve experienced that you forget to illustrate how your perspectives and ideas have matured.
\n 
\nAnd last but not least, you could write about a talent you have that sets you apart from others<\/strong>. A hobby or interest that you’ve really excelled at can make for an engaging diversity statement topic. It’s all in how you frame your story. <\/p>\n

Use space wisely<\/h3>\n

Your personal statement should take center stage. While your diversity statement should be just as well-edited and just as polished, it\u2019s oftentimes shorter than the personal statement<\/strong>. We\u2019ve highlighted the importance of conciseness in the personal statement<\/a>, and this goes for the diversity statement even more. Typically, the diversity statement is about one to one-and-a-half pages, double-spaced. Make your words count!
\n 
\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In our last post, we highlighted a sometimes-overlooked piece of law school admissions applications \u2013 the optional essay. One of the most common prompts for the optional essay will ask you about how you\u2019ll contribute to a law school\u2019s campus and class diversity. The law school diversity statement challenges many people who get caught up […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[3851],"class_list":["post-231","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-law-school-admissions"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Write a Law School Diversity Statement - Magoosh LSAT Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tips on how to write an effective law school diversity statement, using an inclusive definition of diversity and focusing on personal growth.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Write a Law School Diversity Statement\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In our last post, we highlighted a sometimes-overlooked piece of law school admissions applications \u2013 the optional essay. 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