<p>Just wondering, is being a first generation college student that beneficial of a "hook"? I have noticed that students with less impressive resumes than rejected students from top schools seem to get in when they have the "first generation" hook. (Granted, their resume is still extremely impressive.) Does being first generation help at all at top schools or is this just a coincidence created by the randomness of the college admissions process? Thanks!</p>
<p>it is a contributing factor, and schools are usually upfront about it</p>
<p>There are less than 50 schools where First Generation status will factor in to admissions. If you google “Common Data Set” for a specfic university, you will find a standardized report that all schools file. Section C7 details the Admissions Decisions Basis for Selection and one of the items in this table will be “Nonacademic - First Generation”.</p>
<p>Generally only the most highly selective schools will consider this in admissions, although most universities will have support programs for you when you arrive on campus.</p>