Don’t Force a Diversity Statement

A diversity statement can be a great way to share about your unique background and explain how it will contribute to a law-school community. But should you always write one? Will you get credit for submitting a diversity statement even if you don’t necessarily have a good story to tell?

In this episode of the LSAT Demon Daily podcast, Nathan and Erik tackled a question from a law school applicant with a 169 LSAT score and a 4.0 GPA who wondered if they should write a diversity statement at all. 

If you’re in a similar situation, wondering whether a diversity statement for law school applications is necessary, you’ll find the answer you need here.

Is a Diversity Statement Necessary?

A diversity statement is optional, not necessary, so if you don’t have something meaningful to say, don’t write one. 

A forced or irrelevant essay can detract from the strengths of your application. Submitting a poorly written diversity statement could show poor judgment, waste the admissions committee’s time, and dilute the impact of your other materials.

Be Honest About Your Story

Great writing often requires being brutally honest with yourself—you need to have a good “BS detector.” If you don’t genuinely have a unique or compelling story to tell, it’s better to skip the essay rather than risk submitting something that feels disingenuous. 

Admissions officers read countless applications and can easily spot when an essay is forced or doesn’t add value.

The Real Focus: Your LSAT Score

While the original question was about diversity statements, your LSAT score is the most important thing to focus on. The student who asked the question has a 4.0 GPA. Was the 169 LSAT score truly their best effort? While a 169 is a solid score, it could still limit their chances at top-tier schools. Even a small boost in their LSAT score could make a significant difference. 

If you have a high GPA and an LSAT score that may not reflect your full potential, consider retaking the test. This is particularly true if your practice scores were higher. A few extra points can open up more opportunities at elite law schools.

Takeaway

If you’re unsure about writing a diversity statement, trust your instincts. If it feels forced, it’s probably better to skip it. 

Focus on what really matters: your academic credentials and LSAT score. If you’re aiming for top law schools, maximizing your LSAT score can have a far bigger impact than writing the perfect optional essay.

The LSAT is your wrecking ball. Quit focusing on the chisel.