Cambodian Descent. Does that help at all?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey guys. New to the forums, hoping to learn from all of you guys.</p>

<p>Anyway, regarding ethnicity when applying to colleges, do colleges take into consideration the fact that you are part of an ethnic group that is under-represented in today's college system? </p>

<p>A little backstory, I am a first generation Cambodian-American. My parents both immigrated to the United States during the war, leaving everything behind. They came to this country with nothing but themselves, and sought to create a better life for themselves. They have literally been working all their lives, and growing up I didn't realize how much they sacrificed for me so I could grow up with a decent education and a roof over my head. This is the pressing reason why I'm driven to succeed. Sorry if this sounds a bit cheesy, but it's how I feel about it. </p>

<p>Anyway, any answers would be greatly appreciated! Thanks. :)</p>

2

<p>Your Cambodian origins may provide good material for your essays, so yes it may help.</p>

3

<p>It varies with the college. In particular some rural LACs have difficulty recruiting and retaining minorities, including Asians. Some of these schools, may consider newer immigrants from SE Asian countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, etc. as URMs. For instance, Amherst accepts Asians in their diversity open house:</p>

<p><a href=“https://www.amherst.edu/admission/diversity/divoh[/url]”>https://www.amherst.edu/admission/diversity/divoh&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

4

<p>Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t. If you can create a compelling essay about it, then I would say it would probably help your chances. It sounds like you have one waiting to be written.</p>

5

<p>If one of my essays were to revolve around the fact that being Cambodian presented a unique situation, will colleges even want to hear that? I know some colleges, including UCs, don’t factor in ethnicity/race when applying. However, privates such like Penn and USC look for compelling stories, right? Correct me if I’m wrong.</p>

6

<p>your story is great for essays if you can mix yourself in there somewhere.</p>