<p>being an URM (Underrepresented Minority) give you in the admissions process?
(esp. to schools where the student population is only 2% of your race)</p>
<p>I assume you’re Native American? Being a URM isn’t an advantage that’s necessarily quantifiable (though the SAT averages for URMs tend to be lower than those of whites, which are in turn lower than those of asians). In general, statistically qualified URMs will be admitted (I’m too lazy to go looking for the study, but, for example, African Americans with SAT scores nearing 2400 have almost 100% acceptance rates at top schools). This is not to say that unqualified students will be admitted.</p>
<p>Depends on what else you have to offer. Being a URM in a vacuum doesn’t count for much (though some here will dispute that).</p>
<p>Being a URM is a major hook at sow schools and no hook at all at others. When you talk about 2%, two possibilities come to mind - state schools that can’t consider race and privates that can’t afford to pay for diversity. Of course as glassesarechic says above, being native American is a huge hook if that’s what we’re talking.</p>
<p>If we’re talking a school that’s 2% black, and you are full pay, they’ll probably jump.</p>
<p>I am applying to a school down south that has stated they are trying to increase diversity on campus. My GPA is within their stats, but SAT’s are slightly lower (I am taking ACT in October as well). Will apply for financial aid, but will not make or break decision.</p>
<p>just out of curiosity, I am also the first person in my family to go to college, is that something that would benefit me in the application process?</p>
<p>I say it has a huge impact. Some people here might doubt me but I still stand my ground.</p>
<p>I don’t have any statistics, but I can confidently say that an African American, Native American and probably Hispanic applicant with a near 2400 SAT and 4.0 gpa will get into at least half the top schools they apply to (including ivies) </p>
<p>Not true at all for Asians and other ORMs</p>
<p>Yes, first gen to college can help at some schools, although usually not to the extent of URM standing. </p>
<p>How much being a URM will help depends on many factors, including: which URM group you belong to, college, strength of application in relation to others in your URM group, SES, overcoming obstacles, involvement in ethnic/racial community, etc.</p>
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<p>But the OP is NOT a 2400 scorer, and actually has a lower SAT than average for the college they’re interested in.</p>