URM Diversity Statement Necessary? Forum

[SportsFanatic]

Has anyone decided to forego writing a diversity statement? I've always heard that as a URM you should write a diversity statement, however, I can't seem anything compelling to write about. Outside of being a URM with a few years of financial hardship I've been blessed to live a pretty good life. I considered writing a DS on my work experience as I was selected into a leadership development program, but find myself reaching... Anyone found success with admissions as a URM without writing a DS?

[dakatz]

I am a URM and didn't write a DS. Instead, I worked my diversity characteristics into my PS. Its not that my PS is specifically about my diversity, but the theme is weaved into the overall story without being the focus. Sure, I could have gone into more detail with my background and how active I have been in the hispanic community, but I touch upon these issues in my PS and I just felt like all bases were covered.

[Jay-Electronica]

Has anyone decided to forego writing a diversity statement? I've always heard that as a URM you should write a diversity statement, however, I can't seem anything compelling to write about. Outside of being a URM with a few years of financial hardship I've been blessed to live a pretty good life. I considered writing a DS on my work experience as I was selected into a leadership development program, but find myself reaching... Anyone found success with admissions as a URM without writing a DS?

Personally, I feel like anything that can help you and give adcomms more reason to except you is good to take advantage of. However, if you dont have anything to write about then there is nothing wrong with not writing one.

[avacado111]

actually, it's very detrimental if you don't write one unless your PS is heavy (I mean 100% heavy of a diversity statement)

No diversity statement=giving schools the implication that your not really going to add diversity. Always take advantage fo taht diversity statement.

[APimpNamedSlickback]

my personal statement revolved around a story of racial profiling. i felt it redundant to write a diversity statement when i'd already touched on the fact that i will bring a unique perspective to class discussions.

i dont see the harm in writing one, but i'm wary of stacking my application with 100 addenda.

[Hook 'Em]

Sports Fanatic, I know where you are coming from since we have very similar backgrounds. Write about how you would add a unique perspective to the class. I wrote about how being middle class made my experiences different, and how I gained the ability to interact with people from various backgrounds. It might not be as compelling as someone else's statement, but you'll be fine if you submit something that displays your ability to write well.

[amg0996]

It is write good. Not well. Write the statment.

[newyorker88]

I didn't write one for any of my apps as well. I have the typical inner city experience and didn't really feel like writing about that.

[fenderjsm88]

I did not write a diversity statement for this cycle. After a few disappointing rejections and being waitlisted at Illinois (which LSP categorized as an "ADMIT" for me even without URM status,) I wrote up a DS and sent it to the schools that waitlisted me. I am considering sending it to those schools I have not heard back from yet, just in case it helps.

My URM status is kind of ambiguous, however, considering that I checked both Mexican-American and white on my applications. In my case, I can see how a DS could be invaluable. Maybe if you only check "black" or "Mexican-American" on an application, a DS is not weighed as heavily.

[s0ph1e2007]

I did not write a diversity statement for this cycle. After a few disappointing rejections and being waitlisted at Illinois (which LSP categorized as an "ADMIT" for me even without URM status,) I wrote up a DS and sent it to the schools that waitlisted me. I am considering sending it to those schools I have not heard back from yet, just in case it helps.

My URM status is kind of ambiguous, however, considering that I checked both Mexican-American and white on my applications. In my case, I can see how a DS could be invaluable. Maybe if you only check "black" or "Mexican-American" on an application, a DS is not weighed as heavily.

Hmm. This brings up two questions for me.
1. Is it true they remove your URM status box from the app when it's under review and that adcoms wont even know you're a URM if you don't write a diversity statement?
2. If you're half a URM or 1/4 URM should you check both your relevant races even if the other race is not URM or does the school not care if you say you're, for instance, hmong and white?

sorry to ask, i know people hate URM questions. I really dont know where else to find the answer though

thanks
-g

[hiromoto45]

I think UMich hides all biography information so they don't know you are an URM at first.

[s0ph1e2007]

I think UMich hides all biography information so they don't know you are an URM at first.

just michigan?
and how does that even help if it's only at first?