Many colleges ask for a short essay on “what you can add to the diversity of this college?” Son is an ORM, more specifically Asian male interested in STEM. Clearly, being Asian won’t be an interesting diversity point. What else count as diversity?
Can he talk about political leaning? He’s leaning conservative in a deep blue state, so he’s an absolute minority in that regard. However, most of the schools that he’ll apply to are super liberal. He fears that admission essay readers are liberals themselves and will look at him negatively. Is it safe to talk about “political view diversity”?
red and blue are pretty useless abstractions to me…i’m more purply myself. but what would really interest me is how a young STEM guy got interested in politics and what is his particular issue? now THAT could bring diversity, because it’s probably something that the other kids don’t even think about day to day
I don’t think it has to be about ethnicity.
What’s he interested in? What life experiences can he bring? What separates him from the kid sitting next to him in homeroom?
I don’t remember my D having any essays specifically asking about her bringing diversity to the school. However, I think there were questions about how she would add to the community or something like that. More along the lines of actions, interests, personality traits, or unique abilities that would be a positive addition to campus. I would stay away from politics or etnicity (for ORM).
Agree that it doesn’t have to be about ethnicity… you can focus on anything…your talents, your interests, your ECs, your personality etc. Think about what you feel you can bring to campus that is unique.