<p>It has been accepted by CC that low income at top colleges can potentially count as a hook. (Can someone refute this with facts?) But I'm asking, if colleges are need-blind admissions (or at least the ones I've researched) how would admission officers know if someone is low income?</p>
<p>Low income works mostlyfor URMs from inner city schools. They know by school profile and zip codes.</p>
<p>O rly? Because my school is dirt poor and so is everyone in my area, except for the people who live in my neighborhood. So basically they would see me as poor?</p>
<p>Depends on other things too. If your application talks about affluent type activities (travel, equestrian, costly summer programs) and you're not applying for aid, they'll probably know you're an anomoly.</p>
<p>Don't the applications ask about parental employment and educational levels?</p>
<p>Good point. My mom is a low income Ph.D (runs non profit) which of course doesn't help.</p>