<p>So many factors are at play in admissions and merit that it’s difficult to determine how much influence being Hispanic/Latino has on the process. In the case of National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars, some schools make certain scholarships available regardless of family income. But in terms of how much URM can influence something, it’s difficult to tell in part because admissions offices (and application readers) are not all alike. BUT you might consider the likely pool of applicants – universities in areas where there are a lot of Latinos (e.g. Miami, Los Angeles) are more likely to have a healthy pool from which to choose a frosh class. But as you get into certain states and rural schools, the pool of applicants changes and a URM applicant might stand out more.</p>