<p>Is a low income student (like really low) considered a URM? I have a really low income but im white, and a Russian immigrant....so would i classify as a "urm"? Would it benefit me to have a solid 3.9 GPA, great EC's and amazing rec's and essay, but so so (like low 1300s SATs), along with that economic status for Cornell admissions?</p>
<p>What up. URM's are race-based I believe or ethnic-based. If you want economic status to be a factor in your admissions, you should talk about being poor in your essay if you want. My teacher subtlely told Cornell I was poor in her rec saying I'm from a poor immigrant family and that being able to accomplish alot in HS makes me unique. Don't quote me on that if I'm wrong, as I know that people on CC love to jump on people who mess up when they say soemthing wrong...</p>
<p>It might help you out, but it wouldn't make you a URM. If you write about it in a positive way, your situation will make for a good essay and might help distinguish you from the other applicants (like what Eric said, hey Eric!)</p>
<p>sorry but you're lumped in with the rich white suburbanites</p>
<p>Technically, I don't think you're a URM. What you should do is play up the "overcoming adversity" side of you.</p>
<p>Minorities are ethnic groups, not socioeconomic groups. You're not considered an URM; you are considered a burden. Think about it. The university isnt going to bend over backwards to take in another white kid who differs only in the fact that it's going to cost the school 160 large instead of only maybe 40k to send him through. The fact that you're poor alone isn't going to make you a shoe-in. However, as has been said repeatedly, the fact that you are poor AND worked your way up to the level where you can compete for admissions at a prestigious school says something, and capitalizing on that (also known as "pity") is the route that you should take. </p>
<p>With low 1300 SAT's, I hope that you are applying to some good backup schools. From your username, it seems you are dead set on Cornell....well...uh, good luck with that. And anytime someone describes their own essays as "amazing", I tend to get a little skeptical. This comes from reading many "amazing" essays that people have put up on the boards for peer review. And no, I'm not a jerk, I'm a realist. Just telling you how it is.</p>
<p>Oh dont worry. I know how it is. I may have crossed the line by saying "amazing," but what i meant by that if that they will be full of meaning. Im obviously applying to like 7 other schools. Please dont be skeptical of me. It really is ridiculous cus for one, you dont have any idea who i am, and b, you dont know how much ive researched, read, and spoken to so many adcoms, counselors, alums and former students. I know this backwards and forwards and in no way am i the typical naive senior who thinks they will get in just like that. </p>
<p>I will capitalize on it, and that was my plan from the very beginning. You are not a jerk, you are a realist. So am I. I wouldnt go so far as to say im a burden, cus honestly, there are not a lot of people like me around, no matter what their SAT or GPA is. I strongly believe i would contribute a whole lot to the academic and social environment of the campus. Trust me. Im not the arrogant, self-centered, stubborn senior that you may think. Just label me as pragmatic, unique, and driven.</p>
<p>No, I didn't pass any judgment. I just wanted to make sure you saw things how they really were. It's clear that you do see things that way, and that's good. It's also clear, from what you say, that you have done your admissions homework, and, in the long run, that is going to to help you more than being considered a "URM" ever could. </p>
<p>I'm not being skeptical of you, and no, i dont know who you are (neither will the adcom people, btw). I'm just saying that being poor alone isnt going to magically bump you up a notch. Being unique is a good quality, the hard part is selling the positive aspect of that uniqueness. However, you are going to have some tough competition. That's all.</p>
<p>I know, I know, im fully aware of that. I was just thinking that it may help me if you compare me to a rich person with the same characteristics. From what ppl say, it apparently does. Im not just "poor." There come circumstances with that, reasons, etc. But ye, competition is always on my mind. I know who applies, but I also know who doesnt get in.</p>
<p>it's nto going to help you out.</p>
<p>AA is not socioeconomically based,so alot of us asians and whites get screwed.</p>
<p>Hey bklyn-you might not be a techinical 'URM" but you may qualify for the COSEP or HEOP help. I was in COSEP when I was at Cornell, and there were a few poor asians (immigrants) from New York and a couple of white kids from rural areas. I dont know how they qualified but you might want to look up...you get extra financial aid.</p>
<p>After doing research, i found out long ago that EOP is for the state schools, and HEOP is for the endowed schools. I am applying to the college of human ecology, therefore i can only use EOP. Furthermore, i read that one cannot apply Early decision and EOP! Therefore, i am officially screwed, but not applying to these programs is not going to be such a burden. I am still definitely applying ED.</p>
<p>Your poverty will not give you "URM" status, although if anyone deserves AA help, it's you. Unfortunately, the current system does not provide for that.</p>