<p>I am NOT a first-generation student. I live with only my dad, who works as a painter and also does random odd jobs, and younger brother; I have not had contact with my mom for seven years. I also live in a neighborhood where half of the senior class dropped out before graduation. I know that so many others are in a situation worse than mine, but I believe my family would be classified as being from a fairly low socioeconomic background.</p>
<p>Would this give me an edge in admissions? Like if I had virtually the same stats, ECs, recs, essays, etc., etc. as a rich white kid from Greenwich, would admission officers look more favorably towards me to try to increase the socioeconomic diversity of their incoming class? (Although it's been slowly changing, let's face it, many Ivy League applicants are pretty well off.)</p>
<p>Gives you huge edge, ie tipping factor. Highlight it in your essays. Say “I was never very close to my mom, but when she stopped talking to me…”</p>
<p>^kiddo64- Lol, I was really close. I kinda wish I knew where she lives or something.</p>
<p>^CentralFC- I don’t want my background to define me. I don’t want all of my app to scream “pity me!” I want in on not only my background but my merit too. ;)</p>
<p>I agree with CentralFC. I will assume that you are a strong applicant in the academic section so remember that the essays show who you are as a person, not as a student.</p>
<p>If you feel that your relationship with your mother has changed you as a person and has made you better at something, then write an essay about it. It will probably be amazing because it will exude passion and will be filled with your real feelings</p>
<p>You have received good answers. I feel like you want people to guarantee something you already feel is true. Sure, low-income may help a bit but trust me, it will not get you into top colleges alone so don’t rely on it.</p>
<p>In regards to your question, although I’m no admission officer, the low-income kid would probably get in. However, your scenario is unlikely because it’s hard for people to have the same recs AND extracurriculars AND essays AND test scores especially when you’re comparing a low-income student to a more privileged one. The reason low-income students get a slight tip is because they most likely come from disadvantaged backgrounds. It’s harder for them to afford test preparation and/or some ecs. Therefore, when a lower-income student excels, it’s more notable because they had to overcome a lot more. </p>