<p>In a word, kel, “yes’”. The vast, vast majority of URMs that I have seen in high stakes admissions do NOT come from disadvantaged families. The designation is made to have diversity on some campuses. There are first generation and disadvantage categories for admisissions too, at such schools. </p>
<p>But that is only for the tiny percentage of schools. There are schools where being disadvantaged, being AA, being Hispanic doesn’t mean a thing. Many of the kids, if not the majority are in that category, and you aren’t gonna get squat for checking those boxes. The OP has not said where he is planning to apply. If he has some good stats, grades and story, plus he’s URM, it would help to get into Bowdoin. Won’t make much difference at most of the colleges and programs in this country. </p>
<p>In my sons’s schools, and many friends with URM backgrounds, they certainly did not have any disadvantages. They are in far higher socio econ brackets than most people, and certainly more than me. Heck, DH and I qualified for full aid My parents were lower income. No URM there. For now there is some diversity for diversity’s sake in some schools and it’s a well known fact. And I support it fully. </p>