Do colleges look at parents' backgrounds?

Hey everyone! I had a question that's been on my mind for a while. I know colleges look at our backgrounds during the application process, but do they look into our parents' backgrounds too? Like, do they check if our parents went to college or their occupations? Does this information impact our chances? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! Colleges do indeed take into account certain aspects of your parents' backgrounds during the admissions process. This information is typically collected through the Common Application, where you may be asked to provide details on your parents' educational backgrounds and occupations.

Most notably, your parents' educational backgrounds can have an impact on your application. Many colleges like to know if you are a first-generation college student, meaning your parents do not have a bachelor's degree. First-generation college students may receive additional consideration or support from universities as they recognize the unique challenges these students might face. Colleges often aim to foster a diverse campus community and admitting first-generation students contributes to that diversity.

Regarding your parents' occupations, this information is usually considered in the broader context of your socio-economic background. Colleges try to understand the resources, opportunities, and support you had access to while growing up. This helps them evaluate your achievements in the proper context. For example, a student who has excelled academically despite coming from a low-income background may be seen as particularly resilient and determined, which can be appealing to admissions officers.

In summary, colleges do look into your parents' backgrounds, primarily focusing on their educational attainment and, to some extent, their occupations. This information is used to better understand your personal circumstances and evaluate your accomplishments within the context of the resources accessible to you. Ultimately, it is still your academic performance, achievements, and character that will play the most significant role in determining your admission chances.