<p>People say that low income is an "advantage" in the college process, but how do colleges see the income? Do they look at FAFSA before they make the final decision? I know for the UC's you list it, but for the common app you don't.</p>
<p>I believe they can provide some information in their essays. Those who are low-income generally face financial hardships, which can affect their grades or scores. Other than that, I think one of the advantages in the "college process" is the financial aid that they get, allowing them to go to many expensive schools for free, as long as they get accepted.</p>
<p>Zip codes, school districts, parent professions, parent education.</p>
<p>Your HS profile includes demographic data such as % of kids eligible for reduced lunch -- an indicator of relative wealth/poverty in your school.</p>
<p>The potential "advantage" is if you have excelled, it can be surmised that you did so in a tougher, more disadvantaged context.</p>
<p>Does each counselor write up a profile, or is it standardized through the Common App?</p>
<p>my mom makes under 30,000, but I'm on a permit to a school that is known the be very rich (probably by the whole country). Will they think I can afford that?</p>
<p>My son attends private on a scholarship and it actually helped him I think because he took advantage of all they offered. If you're a Junior, check out the Questbridge thread. Schools are definitely looking for socio-economic diversity, so ironically the 30k income should help your chances at admission assuming your stats are good.</p>
<p>illuminar:</p>
<p>Many schools will optionally enclose a copy of a HS profile along with the transcript they send. This gives some demographic information as well as information on classes offered, number of NMSF students, and other relevant info.</p>