<p>Hi people, I'm new here and I just had a quick question--how do you know if you are an under-represented minority? Is it only African- and Hispanic-Americans? Personally, I am Bangladeshi (the vast majority of people I meet cannot locate Bangladesh's general region on a map) and a Muslim, but I was born and raised in the Silicon Valley and my dad has a six-figure salary. Would this help on my college apps? My first choice is Tufts, which I've heard is big on internationalism and diversity.</p>
<p>Bangladesh is in South Asia. While I believe that there aren't many Bangladeshis in American higher education, you'll likely be lumped into the Asian category.</p>
<p>If you can write a good essay that demonstrates how in-touch you are with your heritage, that can help.</p>
<p>Asians are not a URM. However, if you want to make your unique Bengali heritage stand out, an essay would definitely do it. In the end, however, it's your grades & test scores that you will put you in the running -- or not. Your essays will then differentiate you from everyone else who applies to Tufts who has good enough grades.</p>
<p>Essays will help you.</p>
<p>Being Bangladeshi isn't gonna help you, neither is your dad's salary, nor the location where you live.</p>
<p>You're not a URM.</p>