<p>So how much does first generation really help ones application. Just wondering. Thanks ahead of time for the responses.</p>
<p>it helps a decent amount</p>
<p>Generally not that important. Colleges consider your overall background, not just first generation status. The idea is that it's not an even playing field for all applicants.</p>
<p>well its something. but certainly not goin to get u into college alone.</p>
<p>Unless you have a great story about working your way out of the slums or something, it's probably worth the equivalent of one random EC that someone else did for a year.</p>
<p>It help most when combined with other things such as low income, underperforming schools and URM status. It doesn't matter at all if you're upper middle class, suburban and attend a good high school.</p>
<p>First gens usually get a bit more careful look, so if the rest of your profile is competitive with the rest of the pool, you should have something of an advantage.</p>
<p>It can be a tip factor particularly if, for instance, you have an excellent gpa, but a mediocre SAT. Colleges understand that first generation college students don't have the enrichment opportunities that many other students have.</p>
<p>It depends on the college. Some colleges have an institutional directive to increase the number of first generation students. At those schools, it helps a lot.</p>
<p>okay thanks everyone</p>