So I am the first person in my family to apply to college, and I am applying to some really competitive schools. I am wondering if being a first generation college student will benefit me
Check common data sets for each school! Usually first gen will be “considered.” It will benefit you in the admissions process to some degree.
First: congratulations. Most people don’t realize the hurdle it is to apply to selective colleges when you are coming from a family with no college tradition. As Bling(x3) stated, first generation can help in admissions.
Many good colleges have preorientation programs for first generation students who will be enrolling at their school. If you have your choice of acceptances, the availability of programs like this (as well as ongoing support programs) are something to seriously consider when picking which school to attend. Good luck!
Many first gen students are also coming from low(er)-income households. For those that are, organizations like Questbridge can also be very helpful. Good luck
To be clear, “considered” is pretty low on the totem pole, below “important” and “very important.” So it might best be considered a possible little nudge.
Go to any college’s website, do a search for “Common Data Set” and look at Section C7. You can see exactly what factors they consider, and to what degree. Now, if you have **five ** traits that are “considered,” that nudge just got a little stronger.
Be sure to look at all the other important stuff in the CDS too.
Independent of the admissions decision, once accepted you might be eligible for special academic programs designed to help first generation students be successful at college.