<p>As I have looked through many threads, I have seen many individuals say that being a URM (African American) helps in college admissions. I heard that colleges know about the acheivement gap that exists between African American student test scores, and other applicant’s test scores. However, recently I was reading where someone posted that colleges know that test scores and income correlate. Say, an African American applicant that is middle/upper class, might be able to afford a great SAT class, while an African American with considerable financial need might not be so fortunate. I am an African American student with considerable financial need, in fact my EFC was $0. I was wondering if a college says that they are “need blind” (UPenn for example), how would they be able to check see that my test scores (1180) may very well correlate with my income?</p>
<p>I hope thats a 1180 out of 1600 and not 2400. The average score is a 1500, so you should be able to get that without any prep. Even then, kids with EFCs of 0 that get into Ivy League schools are able to get respectable scores like 1200/1600 or 1800or1900/2400.</p>
<p>Having said that, Penn is need blind in that it does not factor in how much aid money it has left in its budget when doing admissions. You will get some recognition for not having cash to take SAT prep classes and possibly having to work multiple jobs during the school year in lieu of better ECs. Some schools reject kids because they don't have the money to give them the aid they need, or more likely, kids taken off the waitlist are the ones who can afford to go and not the ones who need aid. However, Penn and the other Ivys are needblind, so they won't pay attention to how much aid they have given out until they have to start admitting internationals.</p>
<p>Okay I understand. And to clarify, it is a 1180/1600 and 1780/2400.</p>
<p>Smartbrotha, one thing you got to keep in consideration is that the admissions procedure is very unpredictable. Although weighing your chances according to your background vs your credentials may give you a general sense of where you stand, there's one factor that you don't have control over which may make or break your application: the person reading your file. They have this enigmatic way of telling whether you will ultimately be a good fit for Penn and whether you will be successful in pursuing your intended major/course of study there. There are just too many variables. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanx rohan I appreciate your comments</p>
<p>I'm sure Penn will take all your circumstances into account - your URM status, your economic status, etc. Otherwise you wouldn't be in the ballgame at all with those scores. But there are still no guarantees.</p>
<p>exactly. from my perspective, i think that you would be a great fit for Penn and a good asset to the student body. however, whether that option will become ultimately available to you depends on whether the adcom sees you in the same perspective. Enjoy your Spring Break.</p>
<p>thanx Rohan and Rohan for your comments. Hopefully, the adcom will be able to see me in this light. Unfortunately sprinig break doesn't start till March 29 [same day as Penn decisions :-)], so I have about 3 weeks left to wait.</p>