Does a diverse background really help?

I am from Greece and my background is really different than one from a US citizen. My grandfather was a shepherd that only attended 4 classes of school. My mother had to work so she did not attend College and my dad just attended a technical 2 years institution. So I am a first generation student. What do you believe? Thank you in advance.

It depends upon the college. For the colleges you have listed on your chance thread, I’d say your background in and of itself will not help. It may make an interesting essay topic, which could help. But be aware that most top US colleges have hard or soft limits on the number of international applicants they accept, and the chances for an international applicant getting accepted are generally worse than the overall acceptance rate. Good luck.

@skieurope I probably dont only rely on my background. What if my academics and extra curricular are really good? You may take a look at my What are my chances post. Thank you

Every successful applicant to those schools has very good academics and EC’s. Like I said, the essay may make you stand out, but for the tier of schools you are targeting, academics and EC’s have to be very good. None of those colleges will accept an applicant that cannot do the work, nor will they accept someone to fill a diversity niche if their academics are not up to par.

As far as specific chances, I don’t do those, as I don’t work in admissions, so I personally think it’s pointless to chance. The respondent on your other thread was correct that it is too early for you as a sophomore to worry about chances, but you should start looking for some safety schools. Good luck.