<p>I know that colleges want to diversify their student bodies...</p>
<p>However, does that mean that adcoms look at upper-class URMs the same way they look at lower-class URMs?</p>
<p>Thanks! :)</p>
<p>i think they do. they look for people who make the best of their situation. and while most colleges are need-blind, they can often tell you're socio economic background from your school and the descriptions your school sends, the quality of recs, the type of activities you do, your jobs, and maybe even your essays.</p>
<p>Agree^^^</p>
<p>I think that they look at upper class URMs for diversity reasons, but they don't look at them in the same way as URMs of lower SES. For instance, if you have had the benefits of a private school and expensive ECs, then they will expect you to have qualifications on par with non-URM applicants. Versus if you are in an under achieving HS and did not have access or money to pay for extensive ECs, they will take that into consideration when evaluating your test scores and other parts of your application. JMO</p>
<p>I don't know if they can really tell that you are upper class just from your school and ECs. If they do, it is likely to be very inaccurate and unfair. Many lower-income students of Yale caliber find a way to attend expensive programs and take part in ECs that interest them by finding scholarships. Also, most private schools offer scholarships for high performing, low income students, so being in a private school shouldn't be an instant indicator of wealth.</p>
<p>From what I understand, there are only a few ways that they can determine your economic status from your application. If you use application fee waivers, I'm pretty sure they'll see them and of course know that you come from a low income family. Also like sgtpepper08 said at then end of her comment, if your counselors or teachers say something in your recommendations, or you say something in your application, they will obviously know.</p>
<p>A data point submitted by GCs in your HS profile is percentage of students eligible for reduced/free lunch. This indicates relative income levels.</p>
<p>minkspwn,
Sorry if my post came off as implying that this subject is all or nothing, it isn't, and that's why I said "for instance". However, there are definitely cues that AO's use to get a general idea of SES (T26E4's example is one, parental occupation is another, as is information discussed in essays) and these are used within the context of the rest of the application. If a student has gotten scholarships to attend a private HS or special programs, they would be wise to mention this in their application.</p>
<p>The application aks about parent education levels and employers which are big tip-offs as to SES.</p>