For AMCAS, does reduced lunch count as federal/state assistance program?

[basupran]

In grade school, does it count?

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[Neuronix]

lol! I guess technically it does. What are you trying to do? Justify disadvantaged status? I hope you've got better than that.

 

[Ernham]

I really need to write a thesis on the big lie that any college is going to give you any slack if you come from an entirely destitute family; it's truly a fraud.

I've found data all over the place that suggest applying as disadvantaged actually *disadvantages* you in the admission process, in undergrad school and beyond, regardless if you are an URM or not. They'd rather spend that extra financial aid they would be having to help you with towards a scholarship to some "gunner," or to two URMs from a middle class family that won't need much aid. This is the main reason I loath AA in its current form.

 

[TexasRose]

Your family had to qualify under state/national guidelines for you to receive free or reduced lunch. That means they were below a certain income level at that time.

The AMCAS specifically asks if your family has ever received assistance, so that would simply be answering the question honestly.

T

 

[Chronotropic]

Originally posted by Ernham
I really need to write a thesis on the big lie that any college is going to give you any slack if you come from an entirely destitute family; it's truly a fraud.

I've found data all over the place that suggest applying as disadvantaged actually *disadvantages* you in the admission process, in undergrad school and beyond, regardless if you are an URM or not. They'd rather spend that extra financial aid they would be having to help you with towards a scholarship to some "gunner," or to two URMs from a middle class family that won't need much aid. This is the main reason I loath AA in its current form.

It could be that disadvantaged applicants don't have the same opportunities as their counterparts. When I worked at a hospital all the good positions and volunteer spots went to the staff's kids. It's possible for someone on the outside looking in to acquire those positions as well, but it takes work on their part.
I still think that all things being equal they would take a disadvantaged applicant. Then again I tend to be a bit naive.