<p>They call being a first generation college student a "hook." Is it at all comparable to being a URM? How much of an advantage is it at the Ivies?</p>
<p>Nowhere near the boost a URM gets. First generation needs to be accompanied by other things to give a considerable boost: URM status, low income, underperforming school, severe disadvantage. If your parents didn't go to college but live a middle class, suburban life, no dice.</p>
<p>ya thts pretty much wut i figured.......sucks....u pretty much described my family lol</p>
<p>Being first gen college can be a tip factor even if your parents live a middle class life. Colleges know that despite being comfortably middle class, you may have missed opportunities that students from college educated families get. This includes having parents who spoke standard English, exposed you to things like museums, books, felt comfortable interacting with your teachers, etc.</p>
<p>thats the sort of reply i was hoping for =) it makes sense really. most of the kids at my school who are also applying to ivies and top schools have their parents helping them with applications, even schoolwork. FGCS are at disadvantages regardless</p>
<p>I volunteer with under privileged kids and in this role had a sit down with the Dir. of Admissions at an ivy in November. What I wrote above is what I was told.</p>
<p>According to the recent adcom interviews, this is a really hot hook right now. I agree with it, in part, because it's my story. I am from an immigrant family, lived all of my life below the poverty line, and never had a book put in my hand or a museum trip until I could afford these things on my own.</p>
<p>then that’s really nice! 
im a first generation college student,low-income ‘‘plus’’ im an immigrant.english as second language,only been here for 3 years,etc.</p>