I am currently volunteering full-time with AmeriCorps. I make about half minimum wage per hour, which works out to around 100% the federal poverty level and I am on food stamps as well. However, I have grown up working class/lower middle class with a cabbie dad and lab tech mom up until my AmeriCorps job. Given my family background, but considering I am not supported by anyone else, does this mean that I am considered economically disadvantaged?
No.
Interviewer: So I see you marked the disadvantaged box on AMCAS, why do you think you're disadvantaged?
You: Well, I make 1/2 minimum wage and receive foodstamps. I'm also at 100% the federal poverty level.
Interviewer: So you chose to be in this position. What about all the other disadvantaged students who are there not by choice?
You:
I was asked that question by an interviewer, but fortunately

rolleyes

for me I grew up poor and in a medically underserved area so I didn't get any follow up questions.
Secondly, "100% of the federal poverty level" means you make
double what the people right at the poverty line make. Sorry, not disadvantaged even if you were there
not by choice.