I applied ED to Penn. Penn’s website says that only 12% of the class of 2019 are first-generation students. I think that number is quite low–does that mean that first gen status doesn’t carry all that much weight in the admissions process?
It’s just what they call a “hook”. It’s not something that admissions officers will look at and say, “WOW HE’S THE FIRST IN THE FAMILY!”
I’d say its something in between legacy and under represented minority. I don’t know how much it will factor in though because Penn wants a student with potential, not a family celebrity.
@toffys Legacy and URM are both weighted much more highly than first-generation status. Of all of the possible hooks, first-gen counts the least, but it still counts nonetheless.
You’re mistaking correlation and causation. The fact that the class only has 12% means that few 1st gen kids apply and few are accepted (like everyone else). It’s not evidence that they are not preferred – on the contrary.
I agree, few 1st generation kids apply. And 1st generation seems to help more if the student is a minority than not.