What Does Affirmative Action Do?

Applying to College
1

<p>As I have looked through many threads, I have seen many individuals say that being a URM (African American) helps in college admissions. I heard that colleges know about the acheivement gap that exists between African American student test scores, and other applicant's test scores. However, recently I was reading where someone posted that colleges know that test scores and income correlate. Say, an African American applicant that is middle/upper class, might be able to afford a great SAT class, while an African American with considerable financial need might not be so fortunate. I am an African American student with considerable financial need, in fact my EFC was $0. I was wondering if a college says that they are "need blind" (UPenn for example), how would they be able to check see that my test scores (1180/1600--1780/2400) may very well correlate with my income? </p>

<p>If looking at my stats may help you can look at my post here:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=307160%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=307160&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

2

<p>African American isn't the only URM. Colleges brag about their need blind status in the sense that they will not reject poor people because poor people will get tons of institutional aid and will not be able to donate. In one of the essays you could talk about the socioeconomic diversity you will bring to the institution.</p>

3

<p>with 1780 SAT and your status you can get into any college you want</p>

4

<p>chronicidal, unfortunately, I have already submitted my application. Do you think I should maybe submit something separate explaining the diversity I would bring to the university? Or is it too late?</p>

5

<p>Seeing as how it's March 8th, I think it's too late. I don't know what oracle is smoking. Nobody can get into any college they want.</p>

6

<p>lol.......do you think it would be appropriate to maybe have my counselor call on my behalf?</p>

7

<p>My understanding is that colleges reward students for showing that they can OVERCOME poverty and URM status to score well.</p>

<p>Writing a letter to UPenn could help, but I don't think that 1780 on the new SAT will get you in there. You might want to consider an institution that will be more nurturing. And will throw money at you.</p>

8

<p>Thanx ses. So would you think that it would be appropriate to write the letter, have my counselor write a letter, or just forget about it.</p>

9

<p>It's DEFINITELY worth writing a letter. If you feel like you had trouble preparing for the test because of your circumstances and in addition you feel those circumstances are underrepresented in the college population tell them. Have you counselor read it before you send it, though.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

10

<p>Thanx ses. I appreciate your comments. So i'll get right on it!</p>

11

<p>More Updates:</p>

<p>Miami Dade Honors College*-------Waiting*
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)-------Waiting
NYU (stern)-------Waiting
CMU (Tepper)-------Accepted
BU*-------Accepted*
Lehigh*-------Accepted*
University of Miami*-------Accepted (Awarded full tuition ronald hammond scholarship)*
FIU*-------Accepted*
USF*-------Accepted*</p>