Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi,

Programs obviously want to see a reciprocal relationship from applicants when they're applying. That is, they want to see that you're as good for them as they are for you.

I know that I'm a unique person and that I can diversify the campus, but I'm having a hard time knowing what the admissions officers are truly asking for. When writing an essay about how your admission will diversify the campus, what's more important to them out of the following?

1) You have a unique upbringing/life up to now (e.g. I grew up in an agricultural town of 1600 people, which has significantly affected my personality and values)

2) You have a relatively unique certification (e.g. I'm trained in lean six sigma and I'm interested in the Six Sigma Chair at the school I want to attend to teach people about the lean six sigma methodology)

3) You have a unique talent (e.g. I've been playing drums for 12 years and it taught me a lot about persistence and hard work bringing a skill to a new level)

4) You want to bring something specific from your background to your prospective campus (e.g. Portland, OR is the #1 bike city in the country and based on that influence and my love for cycling I'd like to start a cycling club at the school)

I would think #2 and #4 are good because they're specific targets, but #1 and #3 are aimed more at my personality and values. Please let me know, at least, if any of these are overplayed, or if one of these sticks out as being a unique point.

I appreciate your help and thank you so much for your time!
Sadowski