<p>Would the fact that my community and high school is relatively unknown in the US (i'm in Canada) and that my school rarely sends students to Ivy League help me or hurt me?</p>
<p>Also would a middle eastern (Jordan/Iraq) be considered an underrepresented minority?</p>
<p>Lastly I have three choices of an essay topic, which do you think is most strong without having the appearance of a cliche.</p>
<p>When there was an old man in the hospital when I was getting my surgery whose life story about why he is prepared to die helped me stray from various 'bad habits' and problems I was having?</p>
<p>Inspiration from many philosophers.</p>
<p>Volunteering at an engineering lab. (I want to go engineering)</p>
<p>As long as you've done well in your community and have taken advantage of the opportunities at your high school, you'll be fine.</p>
<p>Most people are of the camp that 'international students cannot be URMs.' It's more difficult for internationals, not easier. Sorry. Sure, it might be harder if a LOT of international students apply from the same country, but your ethnicity probably won't help.</p>
<p>Essay topics:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>That could get really sappy really easily. You could right it well, but it might end up sounding too preachy.</p></li>
<li><p>That runs the risk of not talking enough about yourself, maybe. Do you actually get inspiration from philosophers, or do you just want to sound smart? If it's the latter, forget about it, really. (If it's not the latter, write about it- just make sure you highlight how it applies to who you are and how you live your life- don't make it all about what they said).</p></li>
<li><p>I like these sort of essays the best. Daily life, shows how you are on a typical day, and it talks about one of your passions.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>A third topic of how I saved up my own money to purchase a harvard extension courses and AP courses at my nightschool because my parent/guardian did not wish to pay for me / couldnt.</p>
<p>^ I'd pass on that one. It makes you seem like an overachiever. I agree with brillar on this. #3 is the best though #2 could be brilliant depending..how you write it.</p>