[WalterBright]

> privileged

Lower middle class. Pretty ordinary.

> in a position to surmount obstacles is privilege

I presume you live in America. That makes you just as privileged. Consider all the millions with nothing that are desperate to get into America. They see something you're missing?

> you're still going to have a harder time than the kids without the obstacles

Well, yes. Overcoming obstacles makes for a more compelling candidate.

> And not in ways that are obvious to admissions departments such that your experience would give you a leg up.

The opportunity to bring how you surmounted obstacles to the attention of the admissions people is through your application.