Would I be considered a URM?

[coralconsulting77]

So as I have been looking at schools lately, I've noticed that URM candidates generally have a better shot at some schools if their stats are decent. I have an interesting background and I am definitely writing a diversity statement, but I guess I am just curious if the situation for which I am writing under would carry any weight in that category. Do any of the pros here have any feedback on to what degree these things, if any may sway in my favor?

My background is such:

This will be addressed in the resume:
I am an older applicant (30) who spent several years working at big entertainment agencie's and am switching to the legal side of things for various reasons (would like to work in Policy with the FCC, or do big law soft IP over creative assets, or Biz Affairs. I'm totally open on this, but the thtee categories align with my experience in SOME capacity, more so in Biz affairs than the other two, although I could make a good argument for each).

This will be addressed in the diversity statement:
I have two dads, whom have since split up. They largely raised me. We lived in a small town, and while it was certainly on the more progressive side, it was still the 90s, and there was certainly "issues" that came up among more conservative parents and other crazy bs at times. To be honest, probably part of the reason I fit into the entertainment world was because in some sense, it was open minded. Everyone sticks out.

A separate point that I will be addressing is that my mother had severe bipolar disorder, and as such was largely unable to raise my brother and I. When we were with her, she was always struggling financially and there were always issues (parents had joint custody, so this was 50/50 for much of ny childhood). She was in and out of institutions and had encounters with law enforcement a couple times.

There are many positive qualities such as compassion, self-acceptance, resilience, and standing by principles which I will be highlighting to a certain degree. Furthermore things have largely been resolved now. However, other than this I'm basically a straight white male candidate so I am just curious if anyone thinks this will have somewhat of a decent impact in my favor? I always thought highlighting these experineces would come off as "whining", however, my attitude has changed as I've become an adult, and I think it's an important part of my narrative and thought process.

I had a similar question about a GPA addendum which Dave was really helpful with. I have no idea what "soft-components" go into consideration for admission, and while I'm sure most people are in the same boat, any thought's would be helpful with regards as to what to highlight or what weight this will provide as it will help me better gauge where I may have somewhat of shot, even if small.

Thank you powerscore community for your insight.

[Dave Killoran]

So as I have been looking at schools lately, I've noticed that URM candidates generally have a better shot at some schools if their stats are decent. I have an interesting background and I am definitely writing a diversity statement, but I guess I am just curious if the situation for which I am writing under would carry any weight in that category. Do any of the pros here have any feedback on to what degree these things, if any may sway in my favor?

My background is such:

This will be addressed in the resume:
I am an older applicant (30) who spent several years working at big entertainment agencie's and am switching to the legal side of things for various reasons (would like to work in Policy with the FCC, or do big law soft IP over creative assets, or Biz Affairs. I'm totally open on this, but the thtee categories align with my experience in SOME capacity, more so in Biz affairs than the other two, although I could make a good argument for each).

This will be addressed in the diversity statement:
I have two dads, whom have since split up. They largely raised me. We lived in a small town, and while it was certainly on the more progressive side, it was still the 90s, and there was certainly "issues" that came up among more conservative parents and other crazy bs at times. To be honest, probably part of the reason I fit into the entertainment world was because in some sense, it was open minded. Everyone sticks out.

A separate point that I will be addressing is that my mother had severe bipolar disorder, and as such was largely unable to raise my brother and I. When we were with her, she was always struggling financially and there were always issues (parents had joint custody, so this was 50/50 for much of ny childhood). She was in and out of institutions and had encounters with law enforcement a couple times.

There are many positive qualities such as compassion, self-acceptance, resilience, and standing by principles which I will be highlighting to a certain degree. Furthermore things have largely been resolved now. However, other than this I'm basically a straight white male candidate so I am just curious if anyone thinks this will have somewhat of a decent impact in my favor? I always thought highlighting these experineces would come off as "whining", however, my attitude has changed as I've become an adult, and I think it's an important part of my narrative and thought process.

I had a similar question about a GPA addendum which Dave was really helpful with. I have no idea what "soft-components" go into consideration for admission, and while I'm sure most people are in the same boat, any thought's would be helpful with regards as to what to highlight or what weight this will provide as it will help me better gauge where I may have somewhat of shot, even if small.

Thank you powerscore community for your insight.

Hi Coral,

Your case is pretty clear cut. From a diversity essay standpoint, you'd definitely want to write one and explain your background. That background will be seen as lending diversity to the class since it's different than the "usual" background one might encounter, so its an appropriate essay to write.

From a straight URM admissions standpoint, you will not be seen as an URM. The URM categorization for admissions purposes is largely built on race and how the ABA classifies candidates, and in this case you won't fall into one of their designations. So, you won't be judged on the those criteria.

Bottom line: write the essay and discuss your background, it will help (but not hugely). Analyze your admissions chances based on non-URM factors, though.

Please let me know if that makes sense. Thanks!

[coralconsulting77]

Thanks a lot Dave, I had a suspicion that might be the case but wasn't quite sure. Thanks again for clearning that up for me and explaining the classification system.