How much does being a URM help?

Transfer Students
1

<p>Is it something that could make a BIG difference or just an added bonus?</p>

2

<p>One of the Assistant Deans of Admissions at USC spoke very candidly with me about this and essentially said the following:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>URM status will get your application a second glance (provided that it is not vastly below the standards of admission at that school)</p></li>
<li><p>To an extent, it may mitigate [slightly] lower standardized test scores and a [slightly] lower GPA.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>In short, it makes a substantial difference and can tip the scales in your favor only insofar as you are still a somewhat competitive candidate.</p>

3

<p>agreed, especially for med school admission, though i doubt that’s what you’re asking. a lot of schools will forgive lower grades and scores if you’re an URM.</p>

4

<p>Like the above posters mentioned, URM will help mitigate lower scores and grades assuming the scores and grades are reasonably within the competitive standards for the school.</p>

<p>So yes, it can make a HUGE difference.</p>

5

<p>Big difference at most private colleges.</p>

6

<p>It’s a significant difference. It is not simply a plus factor like legacy status, a URM competes in the URM applicant pool and not the merit applicant pool.</p>

7

<p>Just so I’m not mistaken, URM= Underrepresented minority, correct?</p>

8

<p>you stand correct east89.</p>

9

<p>how much of a URM race do you have to be in order to (legally) mark yourself as “URM”?
can you be 1/4 and still be able to markk it?</p>

10

<p>There is no legal standard so do as you wish but if you check the African-American box and you have the last name Goldstein that could end up hurting you. </p>

<p>If you identify with that heritage and culture than it would make sense. 1/4 is a stretch though, one grandparent? Don’t try to cheat the system.</p>

11

<p>How about a wealthy URM? Will that hurt me or help me?</p>

12

<p>It doesn’t matter whether you are wealthy or not at schools that are need-blind, meaning that admissions and financial aid are independent. Your URM status would still beneit you.</p>