One type of college application essay you might encounter is the Diversity Essay, or some may call it the Community Essay, where you're asked to write about your identity, culture, background, beliefs, or community in 250 to 300 words. This essay gives you a chance to help the admissions committee understand who you are on a deeper level. Schools like the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, the University of North Carolina, and the University of Washington often require this essay.

 

Before you start writing, think about which angle you want to take. Even though the main theme revolves around identity, which can seem a bit abstract, there’s a lot of room for you to explore. Your identity doesn’t have to come from just your own perspective. It can be influenced by your family, religious beliefs, extracurricular activities, clubs, immigrant background, or socioeconomic status. All of these aspects can shape who you are and can be used as material for your essay.

 

Wondering how to approach this topic? You can write the Diversity Essay from three main perspectives: community, identity, or viewpoint. Some of you might feel that the community you belong to is a big part of who you are, while others may come from unique upbringings. Or you might choose to focus on how your worldview has shaped your identity. As long as your essay reflects personal growth, any of these angles can work well. Here are some tips to help you write a compelling Diversity Essay:

 

Key Principles for a Diversity Essay

✔Focus on Yourself

Whether you write about your community or your personal viewpoint, make sure you're the main character of your story. A common mistake is to focus too much on other people, like your family or friends, and lose sight of your own role in the story. While it's important to talk about how others have influenced you, always bring the essay back to you. Think about how you can highlight your own role and contributions in a community or situation to keep the essay on track.

 

✔Personal Growth

Sharing your experiences is important, but it’s even more important to show how those experiences have helped you grow. What lessons did you learn? For example, you might talk about how joining a chess club helped you realize that simple activities can bring joy to others, leading you to volunteer and teach kids about teamwork. This personal growth, demonstrated through your actions, makes for a relatable story. A strong Diversity Essay includes concrete examples of how you’ve changed and how those changes have shaped who you are.

 

✔Connection to School

If you can, try to tie your story back to your intended major or the school itself, but don’t feel like you have to mention specific courses. For example, if you want to major in data analysis, think about how your background and experiences have developed your skills in logical thinking. More importantly, focus on how your unique background will contribute to the diversity of the campus and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

 

Common Mistakes

✘Cliché Content

Avoid starting your essay with overused phrases or topics that show how you feel grateful for what you have only because of others’ tragic situations. For example, “As I walk past homeless people on the street, I realize how lucky I am to have a roof over my head” might seem like a thoughtful reflection, but it’s been used too many times to make your essay stand out.

 

Another common trap is focusing solely on your immigrant background, especially for students from large communities like Chinese or dual-identity students. While these stories aren’t bad, they can sometimes blend in with others unless you offer a unique, personal take. Also, avoid generalizing with phrases like “Unlike other people” or “Like most Asians.” Keep the focus on your personal experiences without making sweeping statements.

 

✘Focusing Too Much on Negative Experiences

If your essay is centered around a negative experience, make sure to show how you grew from it. A common mistake is to focus on the negative without demonstrating any personal development. If you find it hard to explain what you learned from a tough situation, it might be better to choose a different topic.

 

✘Simply Listing Facts

This mistake often happens when students write about community involvement. It’s easy to list what your community does, but don’t forget to add personal insight. Instead of just describing the group’s activities, talk about what you personally gained from being involved. Always keep the focus on your own growth and development.

 

Final tip: Writing skills come with practice. Keep reading and writing regularly, and not only will you be ready for your college applications, but you'll also be prepared for the challenges that come after you get in!

 

閱讀中文版文章： 寫作技巧：如何掌握Diversity Essay？

 

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