How to Write a Diversity Scholarship Essay,What Is a Diversity Essay for College?
WebNov 1, · Through the diversity essay, admissions officers want students to articulate the following: What makes them different from other applicants Stories related to their WebUniversity of Washington Erving Scholars Diversity Scholarship Essay Example Please describe your experience with diversity and your commitment to bring diverse groups WebDec 1, · Factors which are considered in the holistic evaluation of William C. Parker Scholarship applicants include contribution to diversity, test scores, grades, essay, WebYou must demonstrate your diversity (this includes varying cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, nationality, minorities, age, race, or ethnicity) to evaluators. Essay ... read more
Most took cabs to their destinations: cabs that Bangladeshis drove. I watched the mundane moments of their lives with longing, aching to plant myself in their shoes. Shame prickled down my spine. I distanced myself from my heritage, rejecting the traditional panjabis worn on Eid and refusing the torkari we ate for dinner every day. As I grappled with my relationship with the Bangladeshi community, I turned my attention to helping my Bronx community by pursuing an internship with Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda. I handled desk work and took calls, spending the bulk of my time actively listening to the hardships constituents faced — everything from a veteran stripped of his benefits to a grandmother unable to support her bedridden grandchild.
As an intern, I could only assist in what felt like the small ways — pointing out local job offerings, printing information on free ESL classes, reaching out to non-profits. But to a community facing an onslaught of intense struggles, I realized that something as small as these actions could have vast impacts. Seeing the immediate consequences of my actions inspired me. I began to stop seeing the prevalent underemployment and cramped living quarters less as sources of shame. Instead, I saw them as realities that had to be acknowledged, but could ultimately be remedied.
I also realized the benefits of the Bangladeshi culture I had been so ashamed of. My Bangla language skills were an asset to the office, and my understanding of Bangladeshi etiquette allowed for smooth communication between office staff and its constituents. As I helped my neighbors navigate city services, I saw my heritage with pride — a perspective I never expected to have. I can now appreciate the value of my unique culture and background, and of living with less. This perspective offers room for progress, community integration, and a future worth fighting for. Far from being ashamed of my community, I want to someday return to local politics in the Bronx to continue helping others access the American Dream.
I hope to help my community appreciate the opportunity to make progress together. By embracing reality, I learned to live it. Along the way, I discovered one thing: life is good, but we can make it better. Sharing their personal experience with immigrating, moving around, being an outsider, and finding a community allows us to see the hardships this student has faced and builds empathy towards their situation. However, what really makes it strong is that they go beyond describing the difficulties they faced and explain the mental impact it had on them as a child: Shame prickled down my spine.
They use their experience interning as a way to delve into a change in their thought process about their culture and show how their passion for social justice began. Using this experience as a mechanism to explore their thoughts and feelings is an excellent example of how items that are included elsewhere on your application should be incorporated into your essay. This essay prioritizes emotions and personal views over specific anecdotes. One area for improvement is the conclusion. Although the forward-looking approach is a nice way to end an essay focused on social justice, it would be nice to include more details and imagery in the conclusion. How does the student want to help their community?
What government position do they see themselves holding one day? A more impactful ending might look like the student walking into their office at the New York City Housing Authority in 15 years and looking at the plans to build a new development in the Bronx just blocks away from where the grew up that would provide quality housing to people in their Bangladeshi community. They would smile while thinking about how far they have come from that young kid who used to be ashamed of their culture. Superhero cinema is an oligopoly consisting of two prominent, towering brands: Marvel and DC. After a minute vociferous quarrel about which was better, we decided to allocate one day to assemble coherent arguments and have a professional debate.
One week later, we both brought pages of notes, evidence cards, and I had my Iron-Man bobblehead for moral support. Our moderator — a Disney fan — sat in the middle with a stopwatch — open-policy style. Tom rebutted this by capitalizing on how Deadpool was a duplicate of Deathstroke, Vision copied Red Tornado, and DC sold more comics than Marvel. We were out of cards, and we both made excellent points, so our moderator failed to declare a winner. Instead, a difficult discussion involves any topic with which we share an emotional connection. Over the years, I became so emotionally invested in Marvel that my mind erected an impenetrable shield, blocking out all other possibilities. The inevitability of diversity suggests that it is our responsibility to understand the other person and what they believe.
We may not always experience a change in opinions, but we can grant ourselves the opportunity to expand our global perspective. The genius of this essay lies in the way the student flipped the traditional diversity prompt on its head and instead discussed their diverse perspective on a topic they are passionate about. While this student has a non-traditional topic, they still present it in a way that pays respect to the key aspects of a diversity essay: depicting their perspective and recognizing the importance of diverse views. Just as someone who is writing about a culture that is possibly unfamiliar to the reader, the student describes what makes Marvel and DC unique and important to them and their friend.
They also expand on how a lack of diversity in superhero consumption led to them feeling ignorant and now makes them appreciate the need for diversity in all aspects of their life. This student is unapologetically themselves in this essay which is ultimately why this unorthodox topic is able to work. They committed to their passion for Marvel by sharing analytical takes on characters and demonstrating how the franchise was so important to their identity it momentarily threatened a friendship. The inclusion of humor through their personal voice—referring to the argument as a professional debate and telling us the friendship lived on—contributes to the essay feeling deeply personal.
Choosing a nonconventional topic for a diversity essay requires extra care and attention to ensure you are still addressing the core of the prompt, but if you accomplish it successfully, it makes for an incredibly memorable essay that could easily set you apart! While this is a great essay as is, the idea of diversity could have been addressed a little bit earlier in the piece to make it absolutely clear the student is writing about their diverse perspective. They position Marvel and DC as two behemoths in the superhero movie industry, but in the event their reader is unfamiliar with these two brands, there is little elaboration on the cultural impact each has on its fans.
In order for the reader to fully understand the weight of their perspective, there should be further elaboration, towards the beginning, on how important Marvel is to this student. Leadership was thrust upon me at a young age. From having to watch over my little sister to cooking dinner three nights a week, I never lived an ideal suburban life. Instead, I spent my childhood navigating legal hurdles, shouldering family responsibilities, and begrudgingly attending court-mandated therapy sessions. At the same time, I tried to get decent grades and maintain my Colombian roots and Spanish fluency enough to at least partially communicate with my grandparents, both of whom speak little English.
Although my childhood had its bright and joyful moments, much of it was weighty and would have been exhausting for any child to bear. I grew up fast. However, the responsibilities I took on at home prepared me to lead and to work diligently, setting me up to later use them in life. Shortly after being cast, I was elected as Freshman Vice-President, a role that put me in charge of promoting events, delegating daily office tasks, collaborating with the administration on new school initiatives, and planning trips and fundraisers. While it demanded a significant amount of responsibility, my childhood of helping my mom manage our household prepared me to be successful in the role.
When I saw the happy faces of my classmates after a big event, I felt proud to know that I had made a small difference for them. Seeing projects through to a successful outcome was thrilling. I enjoyed my time and responsibilities so much that I served all four years of high school, going on to become Executive Vice-President. As I found success in high school, my mother and grandparents began speaking more about the life they faced prior to emigrating from Colombia. To better connect with them, I took a series of Spanish language classes to regain my fluency. After a practice run through my presentation on Bendiceme Ultima Bless me, Ultima, by Rudolofo Anaya with my grandmother, she squeezed my hand and told me the story of how my family was forced from their home in order to live free of religious persecution.
I felt that much of it was erased with my loss of our native language. In elementary school, I learned English best because in class I was surrounded by it. Spanish was more difficult to grasp without a formal education, and my family urged me to become fluent in English so I could be of better help to them in places as disparate as government agencies and grocery stores. When I was old enough to recognize the large part of my identity still rooted in being Colombian, it was challenging to connect these two sides of who I was. Over time I have been able to reconcile the two in the context of my aspirations.
I found purpose and fulfillment through student council, and I knew that I could help other families like my own if I worked in local government. By working through city offices that address housing, education, and support for survivors of childhood abuse, I could give others the same liberties and opportunities my family has enjoyed in this country. Doing so would also help me honor my roots as a first-generation American. I have been a leader for my whole life. Both at Harvard and after graduation, I want to continue that trend. I hope to volunteer with organizations that share my goals. I want to advise politicians on policy-making that will make children and new immigrants safer and more secure.
When my family was at their worst, my community gave back. I hope to give that gift to future generations. This is a great example of how including your hardship can bolster an essay as long as it is not the main focus. Explaining the challenges this student faced from a young age—becoming the man of the house, dealing with legal matters, maintaining good grades, etc—builds sympathy for his situation. However, the first paragraph is even more impactful because he explains the emotional toll these actions had on him. We understand how he lost the innocence of his childhood and how he struggled to remain connected to his Colombian heritage with all his other responsibilities. Pivoting to discuss positive experiences with student government and Spanish classes for the rest of the essay demonstrates that this student has a positive approach to life and is willing to push through challenges.
The tone of the essay shifts from heavy to uplifting. He explains the joy he got out of helping his classmates and connecting with his grandparents, once again providing emotional reflection to make the reader care more. Yet, people there lamented that this lifestyle was vanishing; more young people left than stayed or came. We nod hello to neighbors in passing. This wonderful experience contained a personal challenge. Except for my dad, I saw no Westerner there. Curious eyes followed me. Stepping into a market or walking down the street, I drew gazes. People swiftly looked away if they accidentally caught my eye. It was not at all hostile, I knew, but I felt like an object. The sense of being watched sometimes generated mild stress or resentment. Returning to my lovely tatami room, I would decompress, grateful to be alone.
I realized this challenge was a minute fraction of what others experience in my own country. Experiencing it firsthand, albeit briefly, benignly, and in relative comfort, I got it. Unlike the organic Niigata community, work teams, and the workplace itself, have externally driven purposes. Within this different environment, I will strive to exemplify the ongoing mutual awareness that fueled the community life in Niigata. Does it benefit the bottom line, improve the results? But it helps me be the mature, engaged person I want to be, and to appreciate the individuals who are my colleagues and who comprise my professional community.
What did you think of this essay? Does this middle class Midwesterner have the unique experience of being different from the surrounding majority, something she had not experienced in the U. By writing about a time when you experienced diversity in one of its many forms you can write a memorable and meaningful diversity essay. Want to ensure your application demonstrates the diversity that your dream school is seeking? Work with one of our admissions experts and download our FREE Diversity Checklist. By Linda Abraham, founder of Accepted. Linda earned her bachelors and MBA at UCLA, and has been advising applicants since when she founded Accepted.
Linda is the co-founder and first president of AIGAC. She has written or co-authored 13 e-books on the admissions process, and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal , U. Linda is the host of Admissions Straight Talk , a podcast for graduate school applicants. Want an admissions expert to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch! About Us Press Room Contact Us Podcast Accepted Blog Privacy Policy Website Terms of Use Disclaimer Client Terms of Service. Accepted S. Robertson Blvd. Business School Free MBA Admissions Consultation MBA Admissions Services School-Specific MBA Essay Tips Executive MBA Essay Tips MBA Admissions Calendar Free Guides Video Tips Podcast Selectivity Index EMBA: The Ultimate Guide for Applicants Medical School Free Med School Admissions Consultation Med School Admissions Services Med School Admissions Secondary Essay Tips by School Student Interviews Free Guides Video Tips Podcast Selectivity Index Law School Free Law School Admissions Consultation Law School Admissions Services Law School Admissions Selectivity Index Free Guides Podcast Video Tips Graduate School Free Grad School Admissions Consultation Grad School Admissions Services Grad School Admissions Free Guides Video Tips Podcast College Free College Admissions Consultation College Admissions Services Free Guides Supplemental Essay Tips Video Tips Podcast.
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Preparing an essay for a college scholarship can be stressful, but if done right can be well worth the effort. Diversity is a popular scholarship essay topic. Colleges want to know what makes you different and how your diversity will contribute to campus life. Diversity doesn't necessarily mean race. A suburban, middle class, white student can still write an essay about diversity. Brainstorm about what diversity means to you and begin your essay. Read through all of the guidelines for the scholarship essay. Note the format requirements, such as font type and size, margin and headings.
Colleges want to see that you can follow instructions. If you don't follow the correct format, your essay could be discarded. Brainstorm ideas. Think about what sets you apart from other students. Are you from another country? Are you a part of the LGBT community? Have you been socially ostracized because of a disorder or disease? Think about how diversity has made you a stronger person and how you will contribute to your college. Open a blank document in Microsoft Word and format your page. This is best to do at the beginning, so that you won't forget later.
Start your essay with an introduction that gras your readers' attention. If you have a good anecdote dealing with diversity, start with that, or start with a strong quote or question. Develop a strong thesis. A thesis statement is one sentence that sums up what your essay is about. For example, you might say, "Learning how to adapt to life in the United States after spending the first 10 years of my life in Mexico was a challenge, but taught me how to overcome stigma, look past race and set goals for myself. Use transitions between paragraphs. A transition is one sentence that smoothly carries the reader from one paragraph to the next.
Complete the body paragraphs. Talk about your goals and weave your diversity story throughout. Talk about your personal interests and motivations. Write a strong conclusion. The conclusion should sum up everything said in the essay and leave the reader with a sense of closure. Give your essay to a professor or friend to proofread. It's best to have as many eyes as possible read your paper, so that the first draft is mistake-free. Make any necessary corrections and read through the essay again, checking for spelling and grammar mistakes. Meet the length requirement. If you've gone over, reread your essay and cut out anything redundant or that doesn't add to the essay. If you don't have enough information, elaborate on your strongest points.
Email or mail your essay to the address given. Include any other necessary documents such as an application, resume, letters of recommendation and high school transcripts. Natalie Schwab is a professional writer with a bachelor's degree in journalism and business from the University of Arizona. She has copy edited for her university newspaper, the "Arizona Daily Wildcat," conducted legislative research as an intern at Project Vote Smart and reported on the environment for the "Tombstone Epitaph. length { this. removeChild sources[0] ; } else { this. querySelectorAll 'source' ], arguments[0]. How to Write a Diversity Scholarship Essay.
Tip Read through examples from past winners to note examples of effective writing. References International Student; Scholarship Essay Writing Tips; July
How to Write a Diversity Essay | Tips & Examples,How to show you add to diversity
WebYou must demonstrate your diversity (this includes varying cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, nationality, minorities, age, race, or ethnicity) to evaluators. Essay WebDec 1, · Factors which are considered in the holistic evaluation of William C. Parker Scholarship applicants include contribution to diversity, test scores, grades, essay, WebNov 1, · Through the diversity essay, admissions officers want students to articulate the following: What makes them different from other applicants Stories related to their WebUniversity of Washington Erving Scholars Diversity Scholarship Essay Example Please describe your experience with diversity and your commitment to bring diverse groups ... read more
Meanwhile, my grandparents barely knew English so I became their translator for medical appointments and in every single interaction with English speakers. This is a great example of how including your hardship can bolster an essay as long as it is not the main focus. Since then, I have learned how to proudly represent other countries and have gained cultural perspectives other than my own. Additionally, abuse can hurt people physically, mentally, and financially. International Students. If I am selected as an Ervin Scholar I am committed to continue to honor the legacy of John B.
However, early application is encouraged. Personal Statement. There are many other ways diversity scholarship essay show diversity! Every month, any leftover tip money she received at work went to a special savings plan for my college education. I want to showcase that one's zip code, diversity scholarship essay, doesn't determines one's success. After winning our fight to freedom and provoking the passage of the Civil Rights Act, why do Black teens face higher poverty rates than Whites and are still four times more likely to be incarcerated?
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