<p>Sorry, but I agree with Prof X. Grad programs simply don’t need to care about diversity - grad students need to accomplish research and teach classes, and that’s pretty much it. Cynical people will refer to them as drones. Because of that, grad programs just focus on merit.</p>
<p>Grad applicants can’t use “diversity experiences” as an excuse like undergrad applicants can. If the applicant has a less-than-stellar GPA, diversity excuses won’t get them in. Excellent LORs and other parts of the application can make up for it, but that’s true in any case. Grad programs only care about one “wow” factor - your ability to do research. Period. They are very, very single minded in that regard.</p>