<p>This term is often used as a hook in college admissions. Is this term only used to refer to race, or could it mean something else pertaining to a different walk of life?</p>
<p>For example, would being a foster kid qualify as URM?</p>
<p>Just wondering, not that I'll be applying anytime soon. I'm USNA 2010 but got the feeling that "foster kid" got me into some schools that I shouldn't have.</p>
<p>Any thoughts welcome.</p>
<p>no, foster kids are not "minorites"
It may have evoked some sympathy though, which helped your case.</p>
<p>OK, thanks for the clarification.</p>
<p>being a foster kid contributes to the diversity of a school. That's a whole different experience and perspective that you could bring to a school. Most people in college are not foster children so in a way, yes, you are an under-represented minority.</p>
<p>In most college admission books that I've read, URM is defined as African American/Black, Hispanic, or Indian American. So you are not a URM. I disagree with the liberal use of the term URM.</p>
<p>But what you fall under is a special category of people who overcome harship. There was a homeless girl who got into Harvard a few years back, I think she belongs into this category as well.</p>
<p>Being a foster kid will give a little wiggle room for lower scores given that you have great ECs. It's considered to be a challenge, and certainly helps, but as long as the rest of the application is in line.</p>
<p>I guess, as said, that is the true definition, then you aren't a URM. But you are a special type of applicant.</p>