Is being low-income considered a hook when applying to the Ivy league, etc?
No. Socio-economic background by itself is not a hook. Otherwise every smart low income kid in the country would be recruited by top schools with special fly-in weekends and pre-term orientation classes. They aren’t.
Being low-income might give you a unique set of life experiences and perspectives that a school would value. Coming from a part of the country that is rural or under-represented might have some value. Working a job that helps to support your family or pay for your education will be treated with as much respect (or more) than any other EC. But it is not a hook.
No, because a hook is something the school really wants. There is no shortage of low income people in the US. If you have great stats and are in interesting person, your family’s struggles could be part of the way you present yourself in essays, etc.
It’s not a hook. You can use it to portray yourself positively in your essay and application.
Tip but not hook.
In some instances it can be a disadvantage actually.
I’m not sure whether or not it would be considered a “hook”, but I have heard that selective schools look favorably upon low-income kids with great stats, extracurriculars, etc. I feel like it’s something that could seriously add a certain degree of dimension to your application. And @SternBusiness, can you expound upon that?
@Prospective1998 If you have the exact profile as someone who can pay for the full expenses, most colleges would rather take the student who can pay for a number of reasons.One reason is that those who can pay, are less likely to transfer/drop out due to financial problems.
Low income (really low income, like food stamp eligible level) combined with underrepresented geographic area can definitely be a hook at CERTAIN very wealthy schools (including HYPMS), but in general it is not. Indeed, at some schools (usually schools that meet full need, but aren’t awash with cash), it can definitely work against you, especially if you are a marginal candidate.
I think it also depends on why you are low income. If your parents did not go to college and are working minimum wage jobs that is a hook. If your parents both have law degrees but decided to grow organic vegetables in the suburbs of Westchester instead, no. If one of your parents is not well, or there is some other compelling life story, then it depends how presented but not a hook. Real homelessness (not living with Grandpa), if presented properly can be.
@SaphireNY And yes I am a first-gen College student
It’s interesting what everyone is saying, because I just finished reading a book called “Getting Into a Top College” and it made it seem like being low-income really helped your chances.
On both sides? That is a hook.
Perhaps you mean if you get accepted it’ll be a free ride.
@Rdtsmith No, I asked if it would be a hook for admissions
First generation is a tip also.
Low income is a migrating factor, but not a hook.
It does seem as though being a highly desirable competitive candidate who is very low income is likely to get a very high amount of need based financial aid and/or merit scholarships making some schools more attainable for that low income person than similar students who come from higher income families who do not qualify for much financial aid but can’t afford the very high price tag of many schools. It is what it is.
Having performed at a high level despite low income and hardships related to low SES shows a student of a certain drive, ability and persistence. I believe that top schools are looking closely for these students.
@BrownParent I totally agree. I read earlier this admissions season, that "middle class white girls with a 4.0, great test scores, and lots of great ECs are a dime a dozen, so standing out in that crowd is really tough, NO hooks.