<p>I wanted to bring up the topic of first generation college students at Princeton. It grabbed my interest when I saw that the Common Data Set for the Class of 2011 said first generation was very important; however, it doesn't seem to come up very often and it seems like CDS data is liable to change from year to year. So will first generation status be a significant hook at Princeton this year? Do you know anyone in the Class of 2013 who got a boost from first generation? Just seeing if anyone could shed some light on the matter; thanks!</p>
<p>I think it becomes a hook if you have an URM status to go along with it. In order of influence: Native American, African American, Hispanic.</p>
<p>Hmm, while that would certainly make it a hook, I'm still curious about Princeton checking "Very Important" for the First Generation category in the CDS. This would imply that it has a considerable value in itself, but in my searches I've reached the conclusion that there is a dearth of information about First Generation students at top universities like Princeton...which is why I decided to ask here!</p>
<p>I think it helped significantly for me to get into Princeton.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies! Although it appears there really isn't much interest in this subject...say randombetch, could you be a little more specific about your circumstances? I'm trying to size up if being first generation gives me a decent shot at getting into a place like Princeton.</p>
<p>It definitely helps. One thing the admissions council tries to do is evaluate how much you have accomplished given your opportunities to attempt to predict much you will take advantage of the great opportunities available here. In short, if you were unlucky but still did great, they think you'll do even greater here. First generation definitely falls into that. I'm sure it went a long way to helping me getting admitted considering the rather shockingly impressive backgrounds, relative to mine, I've seen kids on these forums and at Princeton come from.</p>
<p>If your scores and application are competitive, but not astounding like some you've seen here (and if you're like me you've never even heard of any of these competitions people go to, haha), definitely give it a shot. I sure did not expect to get admitted (and almost didn't finish my application 'cause of that. What a mistake that would've been!).</p>