Personal History/Diversity Statement Advice?

[sarabethke]

Hi y'all,

While I've read a lot about SOPs and I think I have mine just the way I want it (finally), I haven't seen much about what makes a good personal history statement besides, you know, everyone's varying personal histories. Is there a lot of weight put on this, or does it just help the AdCom determine whether they want to spend 5-6 years with me hanging around the department? Are there certain things I should not say? And what am I supposed to say if I'm not really...I don't know...diverse?

[echo449]

Showing that you are a serious scholar is much more important than showing you are a likable person. That being said, the tone of your SoP should not smell of arrogance or the sense that you've already learned all you need to learn and are ready to write your dissertation. If you are not yourself going to contribute demographically to diversity, you can still talk about how diversity informs your work (thinking specifically about the California school diversity essay). Break down your academic history, explain your interests cogently, and demonstrate that you have a basic knowledge of your field as it stands. 

[sarabethke]

Right, but California schools require the SOP and a diversity statement which, to me, indicates they should be about different things? I have all my serious scholarly stuff in my SOP. Why ask for a second statement just to say all the same things?

[echo449]

So I think one way to look at the diversity statement for California is to think of it as another way to explore your work--for me, this gave me space to talk about the elided intersections of white and black poets in the mid-century, demonstrating my knowledge of the field and also an avenue for further study. Now, since yr medieval this is less easy for you, but I really think that's the best way to approach it if you can, since it signals that you are thinking about these issues in your work.  

[sarabethke]

I see what you mean now. Thank you!