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<blockquote> <p>First time I have ever met someone who tries to look poor and underpriveledged for college.<<</p> </blockquote>
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<p>Happens all the time on UC apps. One of the essay prompts asks you describe what sorts of adversities you have had to overcome in your life. This question is often viewed as a surrogate for Affirmative Action, which is not allowed in state school admissions in CA.</p>