This essay prompt allows you to discuss a part of you that is not as apparent in other parts of your application. A good way to start your writing process is by brainstorming your identities. An identity can be religious, racial, ethnic, sexual, socio-economic, related to disability, or personal. However, your essay does not have to go along those lines ? feel free to make it more casual or humorous if thats more your style. Your identity could equally mean a hobby, perspective, or your values. CU Boulder wants to know what makes you, you.
Since you can only choose one of your many identities, try to weigh which ones you can write about in the most unique manner. Also keep in mind that your Common App essay may have a similar theme to this one. You should aim for minimal overlap to make the most of your application. If your Common App essay is already a diversity essay, write about a different identity for CU Boulder.
The best way to introduce your chosen identity is to tell a human story. This means going beyond cookie-cutter explanations and embracing vulnerability. Explain how you came to develop your identity, or when you had an epiphany that this identity has always been a part of who you are. For example, you could start the essay like so:
Hello everyone, thanks for tuning in to the first episode of the Scar Face Podcast. Today Im going to tell my story of what its like to live with a scar on your forehead in a seemingly polite, yet scathingly judgemental world.
I wasnt born with a scar, but I was reborn when it came to my face. It all started when
Be sure to highlight the struggles that have come with your identity. Who has accepted you for who you are and who has not? Was it challenging to discover your identity in the first place and reveal it to others? Are there legal and political issues that have prevented you from fully expressing your identity?
You will then want to explain what your identity means to you. What lessons has living with your identity taught you about life and humanity? Has it inspired your educational, extracurricular, and career choices? Most importantly, what do you love about your identity? Describe how being different from others makes your life feel fulfilling and unique.
Lastly, how is your identity significant to the world around you? Connect yourself to the bigger picture ? what community of similar people have you found by embracing your identity? Conclude by talking about how you strive for your uniqueness to enrich the spaces around you.
