help with diversity essay for grad school applications

Graduate School
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<p>For stanford and berkeley's grad programs, they want you to answer: 'How would factors such as your background, work and life experiences, special interests, culture, socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity contribute to the diversity of the entering class, and hence to the experience of your Stanford classmates? Please describe these factors and their relevance."</p>

<p>How important is this in terms of admissions (as in, how important is it compared to the Statement of Purpose) if I don't come from an underprivileged socioeconomic status or ethnic minority? When I asked stanford's admission officer about this, they said 'Please answer all questions on the application to the best of your ability.' But I really don't know what to say other than how my research interests match that of some professors, but I already plan on saying that in the statement of purpose..</p>

2

<p>Mobiusfrost, don’t overthink it. First, it’s not as though you can change your background by becoming a minority or a disadvantaged student overnight. Next, just write about how you will contribute to the program. It’s basically a question that allows you to insert a little more of who you are.</p>

3

<p>I filled mine out, but I’m certain it was shoddy. It may have little or no bearing. Statement of purpose to much more important, imo.</p>