Physics GRE Discussion Forums

I'm an underrepresented minority ( Hispanic ).

Just curious how this effects my graduate school applications ( If I let them know ). Will it help me significantly ? Should I apply to a more competitive schools because of this ?

I feel kind of weird asking this question, but I know it makes a difference, so let's all be honest.

You should definitely self-identify as an underrepresented minority in your applications. While it will only marginally affect your likelihood of admission (if you are on the bubble between acceptance and wait-list it may bump you into the accepted pool earlier), it opens the possibility for a variety of recruitment fellowships. If you earn one of the recruitment fellowships, you may have fewer TA duties, extra cash, or some other perks. If it is an out-right fellowship, then the department can redirect the funds they had planned on using for you to admit another qualified student as well. So everyone wins.