I’m applying to Harvard and Princeton, both of which are need-blind schools. Rather than wallow in pity, I decided to not focus on my family’s financial hardships. We are a family of 6 living on my dad’s income of $29,000, which is actually high considering the area I live in, which is ranked at the bottom of the Urban Hardship Index. However, my counselor has told me to at least write something about the hardships I’ve grown up with. I’m your usual immigrant Asian who triumphs over adversity.
I want to get in on my own merits. I believe I have them. From a purely scores perspective, I am competitive. 1480 sats (770 v, 710 m); 760 USH, 710 Writing, and 660 Math 2c (retaking in January). So what do you guys think? Should I even bother mentioning any hardship? Will it hurt my chances at need-blind schools? I’ve written my essays already and from my app, you can’t even tell if my family is rich or poor.
Worst case scenario is that it will actually hurt my chances. Will including your family’s financial situation help or hurt in terms of applying to Harvard and Princeton? Thanks for your help.
<p>I agree with Sybbie that the primary explanation should come from the GC. BUT - this is some of your best ammunition. There has to be an essay in there somewhere, some experience that affected you, where you can make it clear that the setting is not affluent - what about a job, have you had to work? All it would take is a line in your resume about "15-20 hours/week employment at X" and an essay about something onthe job - the adcoms will fill in the blanks.
Look at it like this - it is not so much about an admissions edge for you at Harvard - it is about portraying yourself as who you are, that person may be someone to fill a niche at Harvard or Princeton or School Y. True "diversity".</p>
<p>well thats a tough one. you don't want to write an essay with the purpose of making the adcom feel sorry for you. The decision rests with you because if you feel that it is one of the top 5 most important things affecting your life, then yes I would write about it. watch you're tone, though, try not to write in a "feel sorry for me" way. Good Luck! :)</p>
<p>This year, Harvard is looking for applicants like you. By all means, bring it up on that application! Even if you are qualified to get into these schools, as most are, having that extra card will make you stand out above all the other smart asian applicants.</p>
<p>If you can fit it into one of your short essays, it will help you, I think. I can imagine your ECs would reflect your family/econ situation one way or another. You can write about that.</p>