Undocumented students applying to universities

Hey,
Does anyone how risky it is to write that you are an undocumented student in an university's application? I mean, like in the essay that they tell you write about, specially the ones that are "free-style". I'm thinking on doing that, but at the same time I don't feel so encouraged to do so, because I am afraid the person that revises the application might be biased and have an opposing attitude towards undocumented students.
Even though I don't like to put this as an excuse, but it has only been my sister that has helped me go through high school (she's my only relative in this country). I am sure that if I were to have at least a parent here I would have done a lot better in the previous years. And I so worried because most of them ask for "leadership", and "community" experiences, when I can't even get out of the house (psst, its a freaking apartment) because I'm BROKE and have no ride at all (my sister comes late from work). I'm really stressing out and I'm sure if I should put that so they can count the obstacles that I have to deal with.
The schools are really selective, and it feels right for me to apply for them. I think I have what it takes, even though I am not that perfect, I think they might do an exception,
(LIke they this to this person with a in Harvard:
Business - Management and Administration
Apr 21 2006
ACT → SAT →
I got in with an SAT total of 600 and a GPA of 2.71. I am not athletic. I got in because i am black. So obviously, it is very easy to get in here, but do not go here if accepted.
here's the link to see for your self : http://www.studentsreview.com/gettin...p3?SH=HU&ST=MA, ) BTW my GPA is around 3.75 and my ACT is 30. And well I'm not really applying to Harvard, but more like the U of Penn, or NYU, or even MIT....
Anyone with suggestions of what to do feel free respond.

This has been discussed a few times before on this forum and basically the consensus is that it is up to you. If you feel comfortable writing about it then there isn't much of a risk.

don't do it!

If you decide to write about it, be sure to tie your struggle with actual accomplishments that make you a great candidate for the school. If you just mention it as a side note, it might not have the same impact on the reader.

I included it in my essays/applications, but like angeleno suggested, I tied it back to what I did do during high school. So something along the lines of "despite being undocumented and not having my parents around to support me I was able to do this, and this, and this..." You are just providing the context.

I don't suggest it, but if you do, it might be good to make some mention of what you want to do upon graduating. If you tell them you are undocumented, they need to be convinced that you will be doing something with the degree you earn, and that your enrollment at their university will help you fulfill your long sought goals, i.e. returning to your homeland with a degree that will allow you to help improve conditions there or in the world....or help you break the cycle of poverty in your family...stuff like that.

YOu REad my thoughts, yes, I've always thought of that, it's been my dream for a long time now. (though to help others I need to help myself first... )


Anyway, yeah I'm obviously going to use it in context...I won't just throw in " I"M A WETBACK" all over my essay. I just want them to understand that the things that I was able to accomplish in HS were harder to get for me, than they would have been for any other legal person that has so many other advantages (like the one of owning a car someone how ex. loan, legal job, parents...etc)
I just don't want to risk myself from being accepted, they might not agree with the idea of illegals going to school here in the U.S. I remember once, in my Professional Life Skills class, our teacher advised everyone to not write about any controversial things, like politics, religious, or social views, and things like that. Because there could be the chance that the person examining the applications could have a different view, thus getting offended or mad somehow.

I did so, on the CommonApp my essay was about being undocumented and I tied it into high school and so on. I've applied to selective schools as well, gotten into NYU so far (though it's mad expensive), and I'm waiting on the other schools decisions right now.

Just to let you know, Harvard, Yale, Middlebury, Amherst, and Williams will provide full financial aid, no matter what status your in, if you get in.

mention it! top schools look for diverse backgrounds and unique experiences to mold a consensus of thought!

I wish I was in your position with NYU.. (that's one of my dream schools) and I didn't know they could provide full scholarship, this is great