Struggling with Diversity Essay

College Essays
21

The diversity essay isn’t usually about overcoming obstacles per se. I am not sure of the exact prompt, but think you should probably cover:

  1. coming from a lower socioeconomic background (this is not a sob story, it is relevant, see below)
    2)training and work with non-English speakers of diverse backgrounds
  2. and most of all military service with people of diverse backgrounds
  3. related, having a medical issue that required advocacy

How did 1-4 help you learn things that can help you relate to others, particularly patients from different backgrounds? How will your experiences of and with diversity help you be a better medical provider?

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22

You may want to at least leave an indication of coming from the lower SES background, because people from lower SES backgrounds are underrepresented in higher education and many health care fields. Coming from a lower SES background may help you better understand and relate to patients from lower SES backgrounds.

Yes, as others have mentioned, being a military veteran is also something that can be diversifying in a useful way in health care.

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23

I only have 500 words. This is a lot to cram into that.

24

You don’t have to write that much about each. It takes only a few words to mention your low socioeconomic background/ Feel free to send me the essay if you want a reader, but I would need the prompt.

25

I was going to link a site with a structure for a diversity essay, but it is a commercial site. I am sure you have googled diversity essays. Basically you want to write who you are, what you have done, and what your ideas are. How will your experiences contribute to the mix on campus and the people you care for in the future?

26

The full prompt is in the 5th post in this thread.

27

Thanks I missed that! @jkb2021 I will PM you.

28

I’ve wrapped up this essay and have moved to another. Done 7 applications so far!

I had a question about this next one. Is “How do you envision yourself contributing to your chosen community working as a physician assistant?” essentially the same prompt? It seems pretty close, although my comprehension may be off.

I’ve started it under the assumption that it is a different prompt.

29

It feels like you can use the same essay with a couple of modifications.