<p>Do colleges admit a higher percentage of minority applicants because they want a higher degree of diversity, see the minority applicants as disadvantaged, or both? Additionally, is a disadvantaged applicant, one who has achieved the same academic level in a more difficult context, more likely to get in? (ex. A paraplegic)</p>
<p>I’ll assume you’re speaking of more selective college admissions.</p>
<p>"Do colleges admit a higher percentage of minority applicants "</p>
<p>Not necessarily so. The problem is the relative few number of high achieving minority applicants. Therefore, if you have a 2200 SAT, 4.0 Latino student, she will capture the attn of more colleges because she is less common than an Asian/White person of same stats.</p>
<p>“because they want a higher degree of diversity” </p>
<p>Yes. Top colleges are hoping to craft a student body w/lots of diversity.</p>
<p>“disadvantaged” </p>
<p>Yes-- both minorities and non-minority (think rural or other underserved areas).</p>
<p>"Additionally, is a disadvantaged applicant, one who has achieved the same academic level in a more difficult context, more likely to get in? (ex. A paraplegic) " </p>
<p>Probably. If diversity is a goal, someone who overcomes challenges yet achieves an equal or superior academic history is going to be favored.</p>