Help with Columbia's diversity essay

I've been working on my application for Columbia and I need to write a diversity essay. Any tips or advice on how to approach this? What do they look for in terms of content and style? Thanks in advance!

In approaching Columbia's diversity essay, it's essential to focus on what makes you unique as an individual and how your background, experiences, and perspectives contribute to the diverse Columbia community. Here's a basic guideline to help you craft a compelling essay:

1. Reflect on your experiences and background: Think about the aspects of your identity that make you stand out from others. This can include race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, geographic location, or any other aspect that has significantly shaped your life.

2. Analyze how your experiences have influenced you: After identifying the key components of your identity, consider how these experiences have impacted your perspective, values, goals, and interests. For example, if you've grown up in a low-income household, you might discuss how this background has developed your resilience and determination to succeed academically and professionally.

3. Demonstrate your understanding of diversity: Show an awareness of how your unique experiences make you a valuable member of Columbia's diverse community. Acknowledge that diverse perspectives can foster understanding, collaboration, and innovation. Express your commitment to engaging with different cultures, ideas, and opinions on campus.

4. Tie it back to Columbia: Describe why you believe Columbia's commitment to diversity and inclusion aligns with your personal values, and how you envision engaging with and contributing to the diverse Columbia community. Mention specific programs, clubs, or initiatives that you're excited to become involved in, helping advance these goals.

Regarding content and style:

Content: Authenticity is crucial. Ensure you're sharing your honest experiences and feelings. Be specific about the aspects of your identity that you're discussing, and provide concrete examples of how these experiences have shaped you.

Style: Your essay should be well-organized and clearly convey your thoughts. While maintaining a formal tone, feel free to inject some personality and emotion into your writing, making it engaging and relatable. Be concise and make every sentence count.

For some more tips on tackling this supplement, check out these two CollegeVine articles:

- https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-columbia-university-essays

- https://blog.collegevine.com/4-tips-for-writing-a-diversity-college-essay

Remember, the key is to showcase your unique background and experiences and how you'll contribute to the Columbia community through your diverse perspective. Best of luck with your essay!