<p>I really feel the need to note on my apps that I am a first generation student in the U.S. and that my parents have never received a college education. </p>
<p>I'm applying to
MIT
Duke
UNc,
UPENN,
Colombia</p>
<p>I was thinking about writing my essay on how supportive and influential my family has been in my development. </p>
<p>does any one have any idea how i could go about doing this or where i should mention it on my apps?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>dude write about that in ur essay, and id look to some non ivy league schools for safety</p>
<p>bump..... any other ideas</p>
<p>thanks in advance</p>
<p>u don't really need to write about it, cause there's a question on common app, and mit app that ask how many years did u reside in the U.S.</p>
<p>Orpheus makes good points. Mention it in your essay's somewhere. </p>
<p>Also, unless you are a published author, a recruited athlete, or have a cure for cancer... apply to non-super selective schools. Otherwise, you may go from a shot at Duke and MIT to community college next fall.</p>
<p>first generation is only a small tip factor that becomes a tip factor when coupled with things such as being low income, and attending a low performing school. </p>
<p>Your parents education level will be indicated on your application. If you mention it in your essays (and very few students are able to do this effectively) write it so it does not come off as woe is me and it is connected to your essay and does not come off to the reader as:</p>
<p>I am a first generation college student. And....</p>
<p>thanks for that info sybbie, i'm going to have to work hard to get these essays right.</p>
<p>orpheaus, funny thing is, i worked on research that had the potential to "cure cancer" and went to an international research competition at MIT to present it in Novemeber, while I came up short, my involvement in this research will definetly be noted on my apps.</p>
<p>BTW, UNC is my "safe school". Just about everyone from my school (NCSSM) that applies there, gets in.</p>