<p>There is a lot of talk about "diversity" in general. I'm interested in knowing what type of diversity people think is most important in a university and why. The idea of having intelligent students who bring a clear viewpoint to their classes, specifically political, social, or religious, and who are able to courteously and articulately communicate it is most attractive to me. What about you?</p>
<p>Great question!!</p>
<p>Many colleges are notorious for not be "tolerant" of "diverse political views." That isn't very "tolerant" of them.</p>
<p>Logos:
That kind of diversity is very desirable of course. I also think that diversity of interests and of experiences is extremely valuable. I sometimes think that a liberal arts college is a bit like a symphony orchestra. You need different instruments to make beautiful music. You can have a string ensemble or a brass band and they will make different music--beautiful but different and more limited in their range.</p>
<p>I am most interested in demonstrated performance in working daily and closely--living, studying, sharing experiences, meaningfully conversing--with those of different backgrounds. There can appear to be magnificent "diversity" on a campus. Yet if those of each race/religion/background live and associate primarily with others of their own race/religion/background, then there is little basis for mutual understanding--and that "diversity" is substantially without meaningful content or significant benefit.</p>
<p>So, ADad, are you saying that you think that it is important for a person to show when applying to a school that they have sought out opportunities to interact with those from different backgrounds, or that they communicate a willingness and desire to do so on campus, or both?</p>
<p>I read many college essays this past fall. Two that immediately leap to my mind when the topic of college essays comes up related the actual experiences of people affirmatively seeking out and working with people of other races.</p>
<p>The writers did not have to opine about diversity when they had actually and sincerely LIVED diversity.</p>
<p>So, yes, if you choose to, and can in all sincerity, write about experiencing diversity firsthand, I think that essay could be effective and memorable. But always choose to write about what is important and meaningful to you, not what you think will fly with the AdComs.</p>
<p>I think that "openness" to diversity would hard to write about as effectively, because anybody can say that. The first type of essay "shows", the second merely "tells". Only you can write about your own unique experiences.</p>
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So, ADad, are you saying that you think that it is important for a person to show when applying to a school that they have sought out opportunities to interact with those from different backgrounds, or that they communicate a willingness and desire to do so on campus, or both?
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<p>Life experiences that demonstrate a commitment to furthering diversity are valued by some colleges. You really have to look into the "culture" of each school to evaluate how much. I like to start with the diversity numbers. Then, look at the history of diversity on campus. Look at the diversity on the faculty, the tenure-track faculty, and in the administration. Finally, doing some searches of the school newspaper archives for racial "incidents" (or better yet, lack thereof) and the administration response to those incidents can be enlightening. If students or faculty are hurling the "n-bomb" around, the campus probably has some issues.</p>
<p>There are a number of threads that give advice to students and parents about how best to present themselves to colleges. I'm most interested in knowing what each individual feels would be the most personally beneficial aspect of diversity on a college campus for themselves or their children.</p>
<p>interesteddad,</p>
<p>Is racial diversity most important to you?</p>
<p>logosprincipal - I think the answer to your question very much depends on the individual. For example, I was interested in surrounding myself with people who were successful in their endeavors AND who thought/worked differently than I did.</p>
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Is racial diversity most important to you?
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<p>Not per se, no. </p>
<p>I think that for our children to be successful over the next 50 or 60 years, they are going to need to be comfortable with a range of cultures. That is certainly the case demographically in the United States. And, even more so when you look at the nature of the world economy and politics. Asia, Latin America, India, Europe. It's no longer really feasible to have a purely Anglo US-centric world view.</p>