You’ve probably asked yourself questions like what a diversity essay is. And why it matter when applying to universities? Or maybe how you should write a diversity essay, right?

Diversity is of utmost importance in higher education, and most schools today want to know how every student can and will contribute towards the diversity on their campus. And that’s how and where a diversity essay comes in. It basically gives applicants with a disadvantaged or underrepresented background an education. 

Furthermore, a diversity essay also offers a distinctive experience to a family with a unique history and the opportunity to write about how the elements of their background affected them. Not just that, it also sheds some light on how their experience prepared them to play a significant role in encouraging diversity.

Today, we’ll discuss what diversity is, and offer tips for writing a standout essay.

What is a Diversity Essay?

A diversity essay explores and celebrates the different ways that sexual orientation, race, socioeconomic background, ethnicity, and other factors contribute to richness within an individual or a community.

So, when writing a diversity essay of this type, always remember that it could cover racial diversity, but it’s not just limited to this topic. A diversity essay goes way beyond race and covers identities and experiences such as ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, and cultural background. Furthermore, it also acknowledges the interconnection of various forms of diversity and their significance in individual and collective identities.

A diversity essay aims to help the administrative committee better understand who an applicant is, what drives them and what they care about. This essay aims to reveal your unique perspectives and experiences, and how you might contribute to a college community.

What a Diversity Essay Covers?

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “diversity?” Most people, myself included, tend to assume it’s about gender, sexuality, class, or race. The truth is, that a diversity essay is much broader.

Note: Always try to demonstrate your uniqueness and what matters to you. In addition to the traditional identity features (gender, sexuality, class, race etc), you can write about unusual features of yourself or your life.

Here are a few questions to consider: 

• Do you have a unique or unusual talent or skill?
• Do you have a hobby or interest that sets you apart from your peers? 
• Have you done or experienced something that few people have? 
• Do you have a role in life that gives you a special outlook on the world? 
• Do you have beliefs or values markedly different from those around you? 

What Should a Diversity Essay Contain?

Your research must provide insight into the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of the particular individual or community. Your diversity essay must go beyond surface-level descriptions. It must analyze the complexities and nuances of identity. Furthermore, it must always highlight how different aspects of diversity intersect and shape one’s worldview.

A diversity essay can include personal reflections, examples and anecdotes illustrating the impact of this concept on communities, individuals, or society. It must convey a sense of respect, empathy, and openness to various experiences and points of view. 

Effective Tips for Expressing Ideas

Brainstorming

First, you must pause, reflect and brainstorm. Think about the memorable moments, both positive and negative, and how they impacted on your perspective. Create ideas for topics or themes you want to write about. 

• What aspects of diversity hold the most meaning for you? 
• Why do they matter? 

This reflective process and brainstorming session serve as your compass and will help you navigate through your essay effortlessly.

Gathering Resources

After reflecting, collect resources, and relevant information that will help to support your essay. Ensure you find only reliable sources like articles, books, and reputable websites on diversity. Seek out different points of view from different writers to broaden your understanding. Take notes and organize your research. Great research doesn’t just strengthen your essay but also makes your arguments more convincing. 

Outline Your Essay

Here is a crucial part – before writing, outline your essay. Write down the key points and ensure you organize them logically. Your outline must include three sections

• Introduction, 
• Body, and 
• Conclusion.

Structure Your Essay

Once your outline is ready, structure your essay. Begin with an eye-catching introduction. Next, the body must deeper explain and expand on your points with evidence. Use an interesting fact or maybe a story related to diversity. Always introduce your main points with a clear thesis statement.

Note: Smooth transitions between paragraphs are a must. Summarise with a memorable closing thought.

Develop Your Ideas

In the body paragraphs, always explain your points in depth for better understanding. Provide evidence, coupled with relevant examples to support your arguments. Always keep each paragraph focused and connected to the previous one.

Adding Necessary Elements

When concluding your diversity essay, ensure you’ve covered all aspects clearly. Check that you’ve thoroughly addressed every question, and topic and that your essay flows logically. This is where you add supporting evidence, stories, or examples to support your points. Also, make sure they’re included and add depth and meaning to your writing. Adding these elements makes your essay more compelling and impactful.

Proofreading and Formatting

Last but not least, ensure you give it a thorough check for any grammatical errors, mistakes or issues. Read through it a few times, focusing on things like spelling, flow and how clear your writing is. Also, check that your essay follows rules about how it should look, ie font size and spacing. Ensuring everything looks neat guarantees that your essay is more professional and makes it easier to understand.

Preparing for Submission

Before you submit your diversity essay, ensure you’ve followed all the requirements and guidelines. Check the deadline, word count, and any specific formatting instructions. If you’re submitting online, ensure your file is uploaded correctly and include any necessary attachments. It’s also advisable to seek feedback from someone you trust before you submit to ensure your essay is flawless. With proper preparation, your diversity essay is then ready for submission.

Bottom Line

Want to ensure that your application demonstrates the diversity that your dream school is seeking? If so, then work with one of our academic writing experts to get the best and most of it.