<p>Hello everybody, kind of new to this. I've been reading a lot on this website and have seen things such as "well, colleges know that kids from lower-income families had to struggle more and if they get good grades it looks good and gives the applicant more edge, blah blah blah." (Or is this not so true?) Anyway, so my question(s) is, before I file my FAFSA and other finaid-related documents, how does a college/uni know my family income ? On the admission application, is there a section for family income, or do they find that out if one uses an application fee waiver ? Also, is low family income significant for admissions ? Thanks and sorry if this question seems stupid, I'm not really familiar with college apps.</p>
<p>colleges see your FAFSA before they admit you i'm pretty sure... you have to submit a FAFSA with your app to most school</p>
<p>Well, on the application you there is a box to check if you are applying for financial aid. I have heard that some colleges check zip codes. If you have a job and didn't have time for extra-curriculars, you should make mention of that. Most colleges will find out, but if a school is need-blind they won't see your fafsa in the admissions office.
Personally, the colleges knew I was lower income because I was part of Questbridge. But this is a very interesting question and I would like to know more about how a college can know if a student is lower income.</p>
<p>maybe something like your parents' occupations?</p>
<p>poor: construction workers
rich: big firm lawyer</p>
<p>hahaha, Mountain Dew, that's a good example, thanks. My stepfather works, but not mother, so 2 dependents. I'm not at the poverty line, but I'm low income, or lower middle class. So, is it true that colleges go "Hey, this person is poor, and look at all they've done considering their situation !", or is that a bunch of rubbish? I don't mean poor like poverty line poor or homeless or welfare, but someone like me.</p>
<p>On your application they do ask about the education level of your parents, stepparents and siblings in addition to what asking your what your parents (stepparents) do for a living.</p>
<p>If you are looking at schools that provide need based FA that request the CSS profile your stepfather's income will be considered to the extent of which your mother has "benefitted" from the marriage. In addition, the school will want to know the income and assets of your father as the non-custodial parent.</p>
<p>lower than 25 k is low income.</p>
<p>My family income is below 25k. (My mother was widowed)</p>
<p>Should I write about some of the financial hardships in the essays or will they know?</p>
<p>ok, thanks everyone.</p>