<p>How much of an effect does being a first generation college student have on being admitted to a college? Neither of my parents attended college and 1 doesnt have a high school diploma/GED. In particular, does anybody know how much it would affect me at a Federal Military Service Academy?</p>
<p>It completely depends on the school. I don’t think a military service academy will care very much; they are mostly concerned with your athletic prowess, academic achievements, and leadership ability. Service academies are about turning out superior officers in the armed forces, and they’re not too picky about trying to increase the diversity of the military or anything like that.</p>
<p>I think most schools don’t consider first-generation status in admissions, but consider it when awarding financial aid and putting together a package. Some schools may consider it in admissions as well, but not directly. When I applied to college, I wrote my supplemental essay about being a first-generation student and having to manage the entire application process on my own, especially because my family scoffed at me wanting to attend college. I don’t think it got me admitted as I was an otherwise excellent student, but I do think it helped me get my merit scholarship. It’s not just that you are first-generation - there are MANY of us. It’s what you do with it and whether you can articulate how it affects you and why it’s important.</p>
<p>Service Academies don’t care. You need to get a nomination from a Senator or Congressman before you’re even in the pool for consideration.
True, most don’t. The ones that do tend to be more competitive. Google the Common Data Set for a school, look at section C7 to see what is used in admissions. I doubt that is considered in putting together an FA package. That should be based purely on finances.</p>