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Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:31 am
by scifiguy
I know there are racial bumps, but is there a boost for having grown up in poverty (while not being a racial minority for law school purposes)?

If not, should one mention such a background if it is true and relevant to one's achievements in life?

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:36 am
by hephaestus
No.

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:38 am
by ScottRiqui
I guess if it's shaped your attitudes and you have a good "overcoming adversity" story, it could make good fodder for a personal statement. But an explicit boost? No.

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:42 am
by HYSenberg
I imagined that the UC's had a boost for poors given that they ask questions related to economic disadvantage on the app. Idk if they actually care though.

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 3:17 pm
by jkhalfa
Only black people can be poor. URM/AA exists so they aren't oppressed by people like you /s

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 4:04 pm
by bp shinners
scifiguy wrote:I know there are racial bumps, but is there a boost for having grown up in poverty (while not being a racial minority for law school purposes)?

If not, should one mention such a background if it is true and relevant to one's achievements in life?
Only inasmuch as a well-written diversity statement about it will help you.

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 10:26 pm
by RhymesLikeDimes
I grew up very poor, but I feel like I'm coming across as a crybaby when I try to write about it. There's no real boost for it because obviously it's impossible for white people to have to overcome obstacles.

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 10:39 pm
by midwest17
RhymesLikeDimes wrote:I grew up very poor, but I feel like I'm coming across as a crybaby when I try to write about it. There's no real boost for it because obviously it's impossible for white people to have to overcome obstacles.
In one sentence, you've managed to convince me that you wouldn't be able to write a good PS about this topic. Congrats.

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 10:40 pm
by John_rizzy_rawls
jkhalfa wrote:Only black people can be poor. URM/AA exists so they aren't oppressed by people like you /s
Wat

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 10:41 pm
by ph14
Not directly, but it can provide good material for an interesting and insightful personal statement if executed skillfully.

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 10:44 pm
by ph14
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:
jkhalfa wrote:Only black people can be poor. URM/AA exists so they aren't oppressed by people like you /s
Wat
"/s" indicates sarcasm.

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 10:46 pm
by John_rizzy_rawls
ph14 wrote:
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:
jkhalfa wrote:Only black people can be poor. URM/AA exists so they aren't oppressed by people like you /s
Wat
"/s" indicates sarcasm.
I'm old

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 10:47 pm
by ph14
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:
ph14 wrote:
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:
jkhalfa wrote:Only black people can be poor. URM/AA exists so they aren't oppressed by people like you /s
Wat
"/s" indicates sarcasm.
I'm old
It's not really intuitive, so I figured I might explain.

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2013 12:28 am
by RhymesLikeDimes
midwest17 wrote:
RhymesLikeDimes wrote:I grew up very poor, but I feel like I'm coming across as a crybaby when I try to write about it. There's no real boost for it because obviously it's impossible for white people to have to overcome obstacles.
In one sentence, you've managed to convince me that you wouldn't be able to write a good PS about this topic. Congrats.
Tell me about it :(

Re: Is There a Growing Up in Poverty Admissions Boost?

Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2013 12:30 am
by hichvichwoh
it'll help you get all of that precious need-based aid that exists outside HYS