The community essay is one supplemental essay topic where students seem to struggle. Many aren’t sure how to discuss their contribution to their community in a way that feels right, and others aren’t sure what colleges are actually looking for when it comes to these questions and struggle to come up with a response that meets perceived expectations.
However, our advice to each of these students is that when universities ask about your background, they’re curious about more than just demographic details. They’re really interested in how you engage with different viewpoints and how you can contribute to discussions on campus. They want to see the unique value you can bring to their community!
What Colleges are Really Looking for?
This essay prompt points out something really important about college life. College campuses, especially those with dorms, are vibrant communities where learning happens all around you. The beauty of the modern college residence life system is that you’ll gain knowledge not only in the classroom but also in dining halls, in your dorm, and through fun interactions in student groups. Some of your biggest insights will come from late-night chats with roommates who have life experiences that might be quite different from yours.
Admissions officers are curious about how you will connect in these settings. Are you open to exploring new viewpoints? Have you shown that you can think beyond your own experiences? How can your unique perspective add to the conversations on campus? Keep in mind that colleges are creating a community, not just a group of students. They want to know how you’ll be a valuable part of that community, not just your relationship to statistics.
Finding Your Authentic Approach
When first starting out your diversity/community essays, you should always remember to focus on your personal experiences rather than abstract statements about the importance of both. Why? Admissions officers want to see genuine interest, not just repeated phrases about the importance of inclusive campuses.
If you come from an underrepresented background– whether defined by ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, ability status, or other factors– try to use this opportunity to shed light on some dimensions of your identity that shape how you move through the world.
However, even students from majority backgrounds can reflect on moments that challenged their worldview. Consider how you can turn your experience as debate team captain into the story of how you helped your teammates discover their confidence and speaking style or the athlete who gained new insights after befriending teammates from different backgrounds, or the rural student whose science internship introduced them to peers with vastly different life experiences. In any case, these moments of genuine connection and growth are revealing of your empathy, self-reflection, and engagement with different perspectives– qualities that campuses are actively looking for when admitting their incoming class.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many students find writing diversity essays to be a bit challenging, and even with good intentions, they sometimes miss the mark. One common pitfall is the “savior narrative,” where students see themselves as benefactors rather than as part of a meaningful exchange. While their intention is usually to highlight how they help “the less fortunate,” these essays can miss the mark in showing cultural humility and just come out all wrong.
Another mistake we often see is what we call a “diversity resume.” This is when students list every multicultural club or international friendship they’ve had without really diving deep into their experiences or reflections. Additionally, relying heavily on wordy statements about why diversity matters can come off as less engaging. It’s all about making those personal connections shine through!
The best diversity and community statements are those that shine a light on real moments of connection, challenge, and growth. They tell stories about how engaging with different viewpoints has helped them reflect on themselves and develop personally. It’s also important to show your vulnerability by recognizing times when things were uncomfortable or confusing, and how those experiences led to a deeper understanding of yourself.
Great essays often link your past experiences to what you can bring to campus in the future, showing how your unique perspective will enrich classroom discussions and community interactions. Remember, admissions officers really appreciate authenticity. Sharing your honest thoughts, even when it means discussing your imperfect understanding, will resonate more than just stating generic points about the value of diversity or community.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to remember that colleges don’t expect 17-year-olds to have perfect intercultural confidence or fully developed perspectives on complex social issues. However, they do value self-awareness and a willingness to grow. When writing about your cultural heritage, community experiences, or challenges you’ve faced, focus on what you learned and how you’ve developed as a result. Show that you are open to new perspectives and ready to engage thoughtfully with the diverse community you hope to join.
Hoping to learn more? Check out our other supplemental essay blogs and college resources for more!