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<p>I don’t understand what you find “suspicious.” You yourself suggested that he might have received a scholarship/bursary. Surely you have considered other possibilities like fundraising, donations from relatives, or savings (he didn’t say he was destitute). </p>
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<p>The OP does not need to “support” the “claim” that he lives in a low-income household: admissions officers will see the occupations and education levels of his parents on his application. What’s more, the applicant does not have to demonstrate that what’s written on his application is true; it’s assumed to be so, barring any obvious contradiction.</p>
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<p>You do realize that he is a low-income Hispanic who has stellar grades at one of the most selective high schools in the country, right? Never mind the significant volunteer work he has done despite his economic hardship. I’d say you have a respectable chance, assuming great essays and teacher recs and a high SAT Subject Test scores. Your class rank will matter, too.</p>