<p>Posting here since like most topics, this seems to be the only forum where I ever get an answer.</p>
<p>What is the general concensus on step-parents on college applications? My stepdaughter is a SR and will be filling out her applications soon. When the school asks for parents information, should she list her biological father? He's basically out of the picture, and has been for the past 6 years, and she does consider me her "dad". She's a first generation college student and I have a BS, so she shouldn't list me as her parent and be listing my college experience, right? Some of the applications address this by having a spot for step-parents, and some do not. Most of the ones she's looked at so far are not very clear though. Is this a topic for a question with each school's Admissions Dept? Unless it's for legacy status or first gen, I don't see too much what influence the parents on an application. That said, at schools that will give her a bump for being first gen, I don't want to mess that up.</p>
<p>I think you're overthinking it!!! What they want to know is info about the kind of adults who have raised her. She should put down info about either if there isn't a separate space for stepparents, but write "father05 (stepfather)" if she chooses to use your info. The amount of "bump" she'd get for having a father without a degree is probably extremely minor.</p>
<p>Call a couple of admissions offices and ask them what they suggest. It's their job to answer questions for applicants (and their families). As far as I can see, the reason you do not want to be listed as her father if you are not would have more to do with financial aid. Also, don't discount the tiny bump she may get as a first gen college student. Every little bit helps and you never know what the tipping point for admission will be. Good luck.</p>
<p>When I worked at Smith College, the application included four places for parent information, and students were expected to include stepparents. An applicant was typically considered "First Generation" if no one in her *household<a href="include%20a%20stepmom%20or%20stepdad">/i</a> had earned a Bachelors degree.</p>
<p>The Common Application, however, allows room for only biological parents (with an invitation to applicants to attach additional information about stepparents and other adult household members, if desired). Thus, if your stepdaughter is applying to Common App schools, she will be viewed by them as First Gen.</p>
<p>Regardless of a college's policy when it comes to determining First-Gen status, I would urge your stepdaughter to include your name and college-degree information on the applications that ask for stepparent data. She does not have to attach an addendum for those that don't.</p>
<p>Like most other things connected to college admissions, this is another one that's confusing and inconsistent, eh?</p>
<p>As far as financial aid, that's a done deal. Her mom and I have been married for a while now, so as the custodial parent, my income is included for the household, which is fine. </p>
<p>SR, thanks for your confirmation that often times these things are clear as mud! We had seen the common app setup, which seems to make sense. We are not interested in hiding any information from anyone, we just want it to be interpreted correctly.</p>