<p>I have a quick question about what Harvard considers First Generation College. I live with my mom and stepdad, neither of whom have graduated from college. However, my dad, who lives away from me, is a college graduate. I was wondering if I am considered first generation since I live in a household of non-college graduates. I know it would seem that I wouldn't be because of my dad, but the whole idea behind benefiting firstgen kids is that they don't have parents/ guardians at home to help them with college-level work, SATs, applications, etc., right? I'm curious to see what you guys have to say, hopefully you can help me out. Thanks!</p>
<p>Oh, and another divorced parents related question. Whose income do I report for financial aid, my dad's or my stepdad's? And is child support factored in anywhere? Sorry for the overload of questions, but I can't seem to find this information anywhere.</p>
<p>Maybe it depends -without offense- how much time do you spend with your dad. It sounds from what you write, that you spend much more time with your stepdad than with your dad...</p>
<p>Andrew_W: If they do consider you a first generation applicant, that just means that the admissions officers will take into consideration the fact that you may not have high test scores or a polished essay. However, they'll still look for excellence in your application. But since you have been exposed to the world of college (from your father), you will not be considered a first-generation college student. In terms of financial aid, BOTH your father's and your step-father's income is taken into consideration. The CSS Profile should have a section on separated spouses and stuff of that nature.</p>
<p>If you've spent most of your life living with your step-dad I don't see why they shouldn't count you as first-generation. The benefit of having parents who go to college is, after all, that they encourage you to study hard and are in a position to offer sound academic advice.</p>
<p>Cool guys, thanks for all the responses. But I was looking at the application and there is only room for 2 parents/ guardians in the "family" section. I plan on using my mom and my stepdad as my guardians (since my dad doesnt have as much of an impact on me as my stepdad). Is it alright that I dont have a place to note that my dad is a college graduate? I dont want it to seem like I'm "cheating" the system.</p>