U of Washington Personal History

[imisscoffee]

The UW Geography Department's page says this:

"4. Personal History (optional). (Note: Only US citizens who qualify for diversity fellowships should submit this personal history. This is an optional item. We routinely nominate meritorious applicants for various diversity fellowships and scholarships, but cannot do so unless this statement is submitted online).

"We actively seek diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and cultural experiences in our graduate program. To help us achieve this diversity, it would help us if, on this form as well as in your personal history, you could identify any factors in your life which you feel will help broaden our graduate program. These may include: economic and educational disadvantages, cultural awareness, overcoming personal adversity, and leadership awards and potential."

So... I shouldn't do it? This is mildly confusing. But probably only because I want to submit one because I worked so hard on my personal history for Berkeley and want to reuse it.

Edited December 6, 2011 by imisscoffee

[emmm]

If you submit something, you may be considered for fellowships/scholarships that you might qualify for. If you don't submit it, you definitely won't be considered. What exactly is the question, again?

[sarahashley44]

I would submit one anyway. The worse thing that could happen is that they say no!

[imisscoffee]

But I am not a minority student, and since they said "Only student who qualify..." I don't want to impose this extra reading material on them.

[emmm]

Do they specifically say you have to be a minority? The way it's worded, it sounds like it's not restricted in that way.