Disadvantaged Background or Not?

[mazibs52]

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Hello Everyone,

This is my first post on the site and my simple question is what exactly qualifies one as being disadvantaged? I grew up in the Balkans during the 90's war and immigrated to the USA in 2012. As can be imagined the situation was not the greatest but in any case would I be considered a URM or disadvantaged? I appreciate all your help.

 

[naijapride]

URM= underrepresented minority this represents race/ethnicity so since you grew up in the Balkans you are probably white which is not a underrepresented minority(those are black, Mexican, Puerto Rican and Native American/First people according to AMCAS. Other Latin Americans maybe eligible too. Doesn't really help unless you are applying to the Three HBCUs or the schools in Puerto Rico)
Disadvantage means that you grew up in a situation which there was lack of easily accessible medical care and basically could mean anywhere that not middle class suburbia or its international equivalent. So you could be disadvantage depending on circumstances of why you left the Balkans but really neither are going truly excuse a substandard performance and won't help you period if you can't tie it in to why I want to go to medical school.
TL;DR
Probably disadvantage not URM

 

[chasm-e-baddoor]

Your background would make a hell of an application essay/you can bring it up in an interview. The admissions offices might like the fact that you overcame adversity (if you have the necessasry grades and all)