Does being a urm really help as much as people like to point out?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm thinking about applying EA to schools like the University of Chicago and Georgetown University but I'm afraid I shouldn't even bother with my 3.73 unweighted gpa and the fact that I don't go to a prep school or competitive public school. Though I don't like getting looked at as though I only got in because I was black (right now it's the only hope I have). I mean, don't get me wrong, I work hard too.. I just let myself get way too many B's first trimester of sophomore year. What SAT/ACT test scores do you think I should have so that my gpa could get somewhat of a pass? Oh, I'm in the top 10% of my school if that helps. Last time I was told, which was months ago, I was ranked 15. But I think it's more like 12 or 13 now... maybe lower, or I just might be 14. Still, I'm in the top 10%.</p>

2

<p>Neither school is predictable. However, if you get a superior ACT (+30), you still have a shot. Good luck to you.</p>

3

<p>Racial status is only considered at GTown. <a href=“https://gushare.georgetown.edu/PlanningAndInstitutionalResearch/Public%20-%20Website/CDS_2011-2012.pdf?uniq=-wv5gve[/url]”>https://gushare.georgetown.edu/PlanningAndInstitutionalResearch/Public%20-%20Website/CDS_2011-2012.pdf?uniq=-wv5gve&lt;/a&gt; Unfortunately Chicago does not report their CDS, but a 30 ACT probably won’t do it. <a href=“https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/apply/classprofile.shtml[/url]”>https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/apply/classprofile.shtml&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

4

<p>Don’t be ashamed of your race. Race is just apart of who you are, and that what colleges make a decision on. There is only one way to figure out what will happen and that is to apply. No one here can tell you how much being a URM will help in your situation, since it varies from person to person. </p>

<p>

You can not say that. It depends on the person.</p>

5

<p>Zombie, I use the data I have to make recommendations. You apparently go with wishes…</p>

6

<p>It all depends . . . when colleges seek to fill out their classes what they’re looking for fluctuates. Also, it all depends on luck sometimes (i.e. whether your application file is read and “liked,” by the right admissions officer at the right time(i.e. before that of other of the same URM demographic).</p>

<p>Think of it as musical chairs only replace the music with admissions officer debate. There are only so many “chairs” available for any given demographic. Once discussions/debates over candidates stops it’s sometimes pure luck that you end up with or without a seat. That said, the pool for qualified URMs is inherently small so it definitely increases your chances, statistically-speaking . . .</p>

7

<p>@Erin’s Dad I thought someone of your age would know this by now…statistics/date means NOTHING to the individual! You have to remember colleges are in a competition with each other. Which means they are going to do just about everything in their power to make themselves look better. Many colleges have way of making their data look better than reality. If you notice they only give out averages for scores, and going back to 2nd grade math an average means that there were scores higher AND LOWER than that average number. </p>

<p>Now like DowneasterDad said, colleges go into the administration season with a set idea about what type of people they want in their college. So though 30 might below average, an applicant can still easily fit into a “group” that the college wants and gets in. That is why so many college reps, and other people have problems with “Chance Me” threads, because there is MUCH more to the process than just looking at numbers on a page.</p>

<p>Is that enough reasoning for you or am I still just “going with wishes”?</p>

8

<p>The simple answer, rightly or wrongly, is YES.</p>

<p>In my opinion, a URM only has to be at about the 25th percentile to have a reasonable chance, while the asian kid, for example, would have to be at the 75th percentile.</p>

9

<p>Elijah, if you are unqualified, being a URM will make NO difference. If you are qualified, it may – may, NOT will – help as schools are crafting their freshman classes. Top schools are looking less to fill classes with well-rounded individuals, and seeking more to round and shape classes with diverse individuals. If you are truly competitive, URM status might help only if you fit whatever criteria a school is seeking as it crafts a particular class in a particular year.</p>

<p>Your job is to make yourself the most competitive applicant you can be, while also working on an admissions strategy that includes applying to reach schools, match schools, and safety schools (both admissions and financial aid safeties).</p>

<p>You should not obsess about your URM status, and instead concern yourself more with the content of your applications and making yourself competitive, race aside. I am speaking from experience and familiarity with the concern, and I would urge you to put race on the back burner as you seek to create competitive college applications. For, if you are NOT competitive, race won’t matter. And, if you are competitive, race SHOULDN’T matter.</p>

<p>As for your SAT/ACT scores? Obviously you should be striving for the highest scores you can get!</p>

<p>As a Chicago grad I can tell you that Chicago places great stress on the essays; superlative essays are one way to make your Chicago application more competitive. Being in the top 10% of your class is also a good thing. If you are taking your school’s most rigorous classes, your GPA is also not a disaster. Prep school is irrelevant. Admissions committees look at your achievements in the context of YOUR high school, and comparatively against your fellow high school students.</p>

<p>Really, Elijah, just work on being the best student and applicant you can be. And, also, have a well-rounded list of schools to which you will apply. That’s it. That’s all anyone can say!</p>

<p>To floridadad55. Elijah is a kid asking for real advice. Not really necessary to be snide about race here. How does that help him feel better about college applications?</p>

10

<p>Your GPA is not bad. Work on your standardized test scores and you might get a chance.</p>

11

<p>Aim for at least a 33 on the ACT and a 2200 on the SAT. Your GPA is not bad, though; it just isn’t great for colleges like those. It can easily be compensated for. That’s what mine is (though I think it’ll go up), I’m applying to schools about as competitive as those, I’m Caucasian, and I’m not giving up on getting in! Don’t be too afraid.</p>

12

<p>Unfortunately for the rest of us, it does help quite a bit, ahah… It won’t get you in at somewhere you’d otherwise have NO chance at, but if you’re (even barely) qualified for a school, being a URM helps your chances a lot.</p>