How do I write a strong diversity essay for my college apps?

A strong diversity essay can take many forms, and it's not limited to discussing ethnic or racial background. Colleges value diversity in all its shapes: cultural heritage, first-generation status, religious beliefs, gender identity, unique family situations, geographic origin, and nontraditional interests count too. It's also completely acceptable to write about experiences—like mentoring, work, travel, or even a unique hobby—if they've shaped your perspective or the way you interact with people from different backgrounds.

Try to choose something that's deeply personal and authentic to you. Your goal is to show how your perspective, experiences, or values will bring something meaningful to a college community. Think about what you pay attention to that others might miss, or the role you tend to take on when you're in a group. For example, if you’re a first-generation student, you could discuss moments when you bridged gaps between your family’s expectations and the world of higher education, and how that's fueled your drive to mentor peers facing similar obstacles.

Here’s an example: One student wrote about being raised in a multilingual household and acting as the primary translator for family members in everyday life. Instead of just describing linguistic challenges, they explored the empathy and resourcefulness they developed, and how these skills shaped their desire to support international students on campus. Another example: a student who volunteered in a prison education program wrote about how seeing different facets of justice and hope made them a more open-minded and resilient individual—perspectives they hoped to share in college discussion forums.

Avoid being too broad or just listing aspects of your identity. Instead, zoom in on a particular experience or moment that captures what makes your approach unique. If you’re talking about mentoring, don’t just mention you did it—describe a specific relationship with a mentee, a challenge you faced, or a time you learned something unexpected in that role.

Personal detail and honest reflection are far more memorable than trying to guess what schools want to hear. The best essays focus less on labels and more on how your lived experiences have shaped the way you see the world—and how you hope to make an impact on campus. You don’t have to have a dramatic story to stand out; authenticity and self-awareness always shine through.

If you’re feeling stuck, try brainstorming moments of change, conflict, or realization in your life, and explore the lessons you gained from them. Starting from personal experience—the more specific the better—will give you a stronger, more authentic essay.