Diversity Question Forum

[SAmerica89]

I am currently a Junior in college and I'm majoring in Criminal Justice and already have an Associate's degree in Law Enforcement. I will most likely graduate with a GPA of at least 3.5. I am taking my first LSAT prep test tomorrow actually so I have yet to see my real chances (I'm taking my first real LSAT this next June). My question is, however, how much do schools really weigh the whole "diversity" aspect of their applicants? I have some friends in law school now that say I have a lot of slack with requirements because of my situation. I am a full blooded Hispanic male born in Santiago, Chile, South America. I was adopted into a big Italian family from NY and my father was a cop for over 21 years (that is where my interest in law/government comes from). I've heard that Latinos are really underrepresented and I consider myself a fairly intelligent person. I don't plan on aiming too high with law schools but I was wondering if anyone would know if my situation really does give me an upper hand in getting into a better school than my stats might normally permit. Thanks in advance for any answers.

[whymeohgodno]

You are a URM. You get a huge boost in admissions process. That should cover any "diversity" boost you were hoping for.

[ArchRoark]

You are a URM. You get a huge boost in admissions process. That should cover any "diversity" boost you were hoping for.

Since this question comes up many times, let's try to keep all of the answers and responses in one thread. Everything below is the answers that other TLS posters will give you when you ask a question. I know this because I've spent way too much time on this site for over a year.

The general consensus on this board (TLS) is that the only groups to receive URM (Under Represented Minority) boosts are: Black/African Americans, Native Americans, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans.

If you are from any other Latin American or Spanish speaking country, the consensus is to just check the Hispanic box. You may not receive as much of a boost as those that check Mexican or Puerto Rican, but it may still help you in showing diversity to the class.

For Native Americans some schools require that you show a tribe affiliation. This is not all schools, but check with the schools you are interested in before deciding to check this box.

For Arabs/Indians/Pakistanians/Middle Easterners, for law school purposes you are usually not considered a URM. This is for a variety of reasons. It's most likely not fair, but life isn't fair.

If you have any questions about your URM status that are not answered above PLEASE ASK THEM IN THIS THREAD. All questions regarding whether your background/race/heritage/circumstance falls into the URM category will be moved to this thread.

Good Luck to everyone who is applying to law school!!!!