<p>Hi guys, I was wondering if it would be okay for me to write about being an undocumented immigrant on my common app essay (the "describe a national/international issue of importance to you" one). I moved here with parents at age 2. Most of the schools I'm applying to are pretty liberal (Oberlin, Dartmouth, Amherst, UChicago, Cornell, Wesleyan, William and Mary, Bryn Mawr), but I'm concerned that it would be too political/controversial an issue. </p>
<p>However, it is probably the MOST important issue in my life right now and I feel that I could write intelligently about it. I would talk about the DREAM Act as well as how being an immigrant in general has really impacted my life, values, goals, etc. I know that a lot of these schools use a holistic approach, and I was wondering if this would severely cripple my chances of getting accepted anywhere, despite OK stats.</p>
<p>For the record, Bryn Mawr, UChicago and (I think) Oberlin openly admit to accepting undocumented students, Dartmouth and Amherst are "need blind" to internationals (which is what I would be considered there), and Cornell would count me in the context of my HS, not as a traditional international student. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated, and I'm sorry this is so long. </p>
<p>Here are my stats in case you want some context:
SAT: 740 CR 710 M 800 W (2250)
AP: World Hist - 5, Psych - 5, US History - 5, Eng Lit - 4
Pending/Current (all APs): Calc, Spanish, Environmental Science, American Gov, English
GPA: 4.19 W 3.97 UW
Rank: Top 2% 14/600
State: VA
Ethnicity: African-American</p>
<p>ECs:
school awards and a couple of national awards (for academics, like being recognized for the National Achievement Scholarship-PSAT), AP Scholar w/Distinction
I'm in a few of the National Honor Societies,
Model UN, school newspaper, volunteered with health department, etc.
and a couple more clubs, president of 1</p>
<p>Thanks in advance and I'll answer your thread if you leave a link!</p>