<p>mockingjay, just to clarify: being Afghan and Greek doesn’t make you a URM for purposes of college admissions. In this context, URM refers to groups who have historically been systematically disadvantaged in US society, so basically that includes African Americans and certain students of Hispanic descent. Also, being “first generation American” in and of itself isn’t a hook; the hook is primarily for those who are “first generation to college”. So if your parents attended college in any country, that wouldn’t apply to you either. Your ethnicity could confer a tiny advantage for general diversity purposes, but only if you are otherwise highly qualified for admission within the overall pool of candidates.</p>
<p>I agree with other posters that you’ll need better test scores to be competitive in either the early or regular applicant pool. You’ll also need to determine how to distinguish yourself through your ECs and essays. Good luck.</p>