<p>Question: Why do college applications ask where my parents went to college, and will it help me or hurt me that they went to small, little-known state schools?The main reason that applications ask this question is to give admission officials a bit more insight into where youre coming from. In other words, when they evaluate [...]</p>
<p>I find it fascinating that this was never a question on college apps when I was applying back in the 70's....I guess it's because so many of us were 1st generation college students (and many were, in fact, 1st generation Americans)....I guess colleges were not as concerned with diversity back then.....</p>
<p>Actually, my own college application (to Smith College in the fall of 1968) did ask about my parents' college education.</p>
<p>It also included a "Preliminary Health Report" with a question about my height and weight (!)</p>
<p>to know if your parents had a college education and if you are a legacy.</p>
<p>The question sounds discriminatory to me. I think they should just judge the student. I think there are students who don’t have highly intelligent parents, but they themselves are bright. Does that mean that a child of an alcoholic will become one, so the college shouldn’t admit them? I’m shocked someone hasn’t complained about that question yet. If you are a legacy, then that should be answered elsewhere. They even ask about parents education on private high school apps as well. People think asking race is also discriminating, and I believe you have the right not to answer that question if you so choose.</p>
<p>medavinci–Students whose parents did not attend college usually get an advantage in the admissions process. And admission officials definitely don’t discriminate against applicants whose parents attended non-selective or little-known schools. Having worked in an admission office for 15 years, I can tell you that I never saw a student who was disadvantaged by a parent’s lack of achievement in any area.</p>