Does coming from poverty fit into an applicant profile?

[HeyArnold]

Sob story I know. But also a big part of who I am.

Is my upbringing in poverty fair game for an essay, perhaps as a set back, or have the adcom's "heard it all" and I'm better off using a leadership story?

Thanks!

[Jon@Admissionado]

It can be okay, but don't expect accolades for it. Plus, you are not the only one. But if it's an important part of your development DO tell them about it. What would be far more impressive than YOU coming out of poverty, would be you PULLING others out of poverty as a leader! now THAT'S a story!

[Kaneisha Grayson]

Hey Arnold!

Overcoming poverty (and helping others do so well) will definitely help your story. In fact, I wrote a piece here on BTG called "How Realizing I Was Poor Helped Me Write Great Admissions Essays" (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/06/ ... ons-essays) which you should check out.

Cheers! (and high five to the formerly poor people!)
Kaneisha