<p>We adopted my d when she was 8 and she is now 16. She feels strongly that she should answer that her parents do not have a college education(they did not finish middle school). I'm inclined to let her answer this way as long as she is willing to defend her position and be upfront with admissions ( my husband and I both have college degrees). Is this the correct advise?</p>
<p>what is it you want your daughter to learn from this dilemma?</p>
<p>ask the schools and ask them what the policy is.</p>
<p>if she can claim 1st generation status it will help her application. </p>
<p>I want acknowledge that she was at a disadvantage and had to work very hard to get where she is today. Also, things are not always black or white and when she takes a stand she has to be brave enough to defend it .</p>
<p>I ask because I really think this is between your daughter, her parents, and the admissions people. It is a template for a moral dilemma she will face again probably, and it’s important for her to be a part of this discussion and a major stakeholder.</p>
<p>I just don’t understand why there is any ‘take a stand’ element to this.</p>
<p>She isn’t first gen lol. Certainly if you think she needs the boost that badly, then by all means, allow her to be “dishonest.” First gen doesn’t even matter much these days.</p>
<p>If she feels strongly that her start in life has influenced her, she should include it in the essay.</p>
<p>So, you are going to be listed as her legal guardian on the application, I assume? This may mean that questions like that apply to you.</p>
<p>If she is adopted and is now your daughter then I’d agree that she is not first generation. IMO, you could jeopardize her application more than help it if the schools meet you and find out the truth. However, I would ask your guidance counselor or check at a college fair so you and your daughter are satisfied that you put in the most appropriate answer. But even if she does not put in first generation, she could still include her difficult start, her adoption, and how she “caught up” academically either in her main essay or in the “do you have anything else to
tell us” section. </p>