<p>I have heard some people describe being a first generation college student as a significant hook in the admissions process. Anyone know to what extent this is true?</p>
<p>I cannot imagine getting into a school just because neither of my parents went to college.</p>
<p>of course it won't be "just because" of first gen. it may just give a slight push. your SATs, ECs, essays etc are always the main parts of any application. </p>
<p>i think first gen is meant to account for how much better you theoretically COULD have done with some extra help from college-educated parents.</p>
<p>It can be a nice little "tip" - something that will help you, everything else being roughly equal - but it's unlikely to be a hook (something that, by itself, will make them want you). First-gen students are too common, even at elite schools, for it to be a hook.</p>
<p>It can be a tip factor at colleges that are trying to boost their numbers of first generation students. Those tend to be the top private colleges in the country.</p>
<p>Does it count if your parents went to college in a different country?</p>
<p>^they still went to college.</p>
<p>If your parents went to college in a different country, you are not a first generation college student</p>
<p>well i think first generation college students should deserve a little push because parents who have gone through college often make more money and can support their children better, know the college admission process better, school gpa, sat, etc... i am saying this because my parents don't know ANYTHING about colleges and can't help me in anyway in giving me advice for college.</p>
<p>yeah, i know it won't get me in - but, at the same time, perhaps it will shine a light on my accomplishments? weird. i hadn't even acknowledged i was a first-gen college student until recently. maybe thats why we're so poor, haha.</p>
<p>erhhh my dad lied to me and told me he went to college but he didn't lol...he attended like a CCollege but it doesn't really count...He though it would help my chances....gg...i think it woulda helped me in admissions but it doesn't matter anyways cuz i was accepted into #1 choice</p>
<p>^My dad is the same way. He thinks the better background you are, the easier it will be to get into college.</p>
<p>Parents are dumb.</p>
<p>Yeah, honestly, it sucks to be the privileged minority.</p>
<p>I assume the post above is a joke. Being a first generation college student is not a "hook." These students deserve what they get for the hard work they put in, in spite of not having a parental example. Not everyone is privileged enough to have college educated parents. In fact the majority of people are not.</p>