inspiration08

i was just wondering if anyone could give me some feedback on the diversity essay. (what diversity would you bring to Rice, basically).

i kind of want to write about being bisexual, and the different stereotypes and prejudices i have encountered, and how my openness to all possibility translates to other areas of my life and that's what i would bring to rice.

can i do that? or is sexual orientation not something you should write about in a college application under any circumstances?

bagpiper

I wrote a sort-of-similar essay about being mistaken for a boy all the time, which involved gender and orientation stereotypes. I think it's fine, as long as it's tasteful and shows something about you.

dauntlessthedrab

I agree with bagpiper.
Similar question here, what do you think about an essay about being an atheist? Too risky? I am a white, upper middle class male, so it is really the only "diverse" thing about me.

noobcake

I am writing about atheist, nihilist who questions the world.

LiveInLove115

i dont think atheism is too risky at all

thelonius

If you're asking "Will they look at me less favorably if they know I'm bisexual?" the answer is no. If you're asking "Is sexual orientation something to risque?" the answer is again no - the university has half a department devoted to gender studies and sexuality, I think that they can handle it.

(And it's a pretty open ended question - being an upper middle class white protestant-raised boy from the suburbs, I didn't have anything that obviously diverse to write about either, but I managed to pull a few things together.)

Beef

I don't think these topics are too risky if you write about them in the right way. Obviously, an atheism essay can easily offend a religious adcom, but if you write it carefully and without "preaching" atheism, I think it'll be fine.
Same goes for the bisexual essay.

Now, here's the thing...
Being white middle class does not make "atheism" the only diverse thing about you. This isn't a "diversity" essay - it's a "what will you contribute" essay. Will you contribute atheism to Rice? Will you contribute bisexualism (idk if this is a word)? Now, if atheism/bisexualism in your life has caused you to develop interesting views on the world and you think you can contribute those to the community, fine. But don't write about something just because it's the only thing you think is diverse about you.

You can be a white middle class male from a farm in west texas, and you will be pretty "diverse" to the white middle class male that came from the northeast. Similarly, the way you were raised or even certain experiences in your life that caused you to develop some train of thought can make you "diverse".

Remember, it's all about what you will contribute to Rice - NOT how diverse you are. They are similar, but not the same thing.

Singersmom07

There was previous discussion of this topic, too. Affirmative action essay?!? Talk about what is unique about you that makes you someone who will add to Rice's environment. Do you have an interest that adds something to who you are? Music? Hobby? passions not shown elsewhere? They are not trying to get "one of everything". They are trying to compose a stimulating environment. .