<p>I don’t know about the work study, but every app process I have seen does give some nod to those who come from truly adverse economic situations. They are flagged and put in a pool. If enough of such kids make admissions standards without any consideration, then fine. But if more are wanted, then special consideration is given. So just because you are a low income student does not mean your stats are any lower than anyone’s; you can be top dog there, but OVERALL that is not the case. Income and test scores are very much related in every educational study. So it is not saying that there are NO low income kids with high test scores, stats and high level courses, but as a group they do not meet the norm. This has been an educational fact for years. It has nothing to do with financial aid. When a student is so needy as to need an application waiver or is from a school that serves a low income area or the counselor mentions the situation, the apps are flagged as such. Not all are, just those where the info is given. Many schools do not give a fig about whether the student is PELL eligible or not and do not cross check that information but will give some latitude to those kids who have had adverse life situations including poverty when brought to their attention. </p>
<p>I have some former classmates who are in selective school admissions and they truly do not know who is PELL eligible or not. THey do not look at the financials, but they do read the counselor’s reports carefully and kids who have adverse life situation are given consideration when they have performed well despite it.</p>