<p>I heard that being low income helps for admission.</p>
<p>However, I'm in a tricky situation. 8 years ago, I would be considered "middle class" (60k above something like that). But then my Dad died of cancer (when i was like 7), since then, my mom hasn't worked at all (she said she wanted to take of me.. raise me up etc) So basically we have no income.. just living off of savings. It is getting extremely low now) However we have a house, and the value has appreciated. </p>
<p>My question is... am I still considered low income? Will they look at the value house? Because the house is really the only asset. Oh and what about other things, like cars?</p>
<p>No, being low-income does not help. Harvard is need-blind. This means admissions officers only know that you applied for financial aid, which plenty of families with $100,000+ receive. </p>
<p>Admissions officers always look at the holistic picture. They try to get a complete picture of an applicant when they read an application. You can definitely write about how your family's situation as affected you as a person. Being low-income is not a shoo-in by any means. Plenty of students still do not make the cut.</p>
<p>Being low income could help because Harvard wants a class that is diverse in all meanings of the word (except in terms of things like grades) including socioeconomic diversity. Admissions would not see your financial aid application, but they could figure out your socioeconomic class by looking at your zip code, school, essay and activities (such as if you write that you work to help your family) and recommendations.</p>
<p>i read the same thing that northstarmom said in a magazine. i'm low income but i live in a suburban neighborhood so you can't really tell i'm low income by looking at the school or the zip code.</p>
<p>In any case, just the fact you are a low-income student doesn't mean the standards are lowered. It is a tip factor, but for it to become a tip factor means you still have to go pretty far in the admissions process, as in the admissions officers find you a worthy candidate for admission.</p>