Weird situation - Am I First-Generation/SES?

[persistenceofmemory]

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Hello!

So, I grew up in a really unique situation, and although I feel like I am first-generation/ low SES, I am not sure if I should mark it on my applications because of my father's background. Please let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

Mother: Born in Mexico, h.s. diploma, incomplete dentist career in MX to move to the U.S. Doesn't speak english, raised me and my sister.

Father: Absent figure, American-Fluent Spanish speaking, minimal support. Never lived with us. Unsuccessful small business owner - B.A., possibly masters, but I'm not positive because we don't really talk, I don't know him well and have never met that side of my family.

Older sister: Born in Tijuana, immigrated to the U.S. as a child.


My first job was at 15, part-time, to support the household. I felt like I had a difficult and messy transition into university, although I did have full scholarships, just no guidance or support from my parents. But on paper I'm not sure what my status is because I don't know my father's background and has never wanted to share it with me.

 

[raiderette]

I would count you for low SES. For your father, answer the B.A. In the disadvantaged question, explain it honestly. Your story will make sense in context.

 

[SpoiledMilk]

B.A., possibly masters

If this can be substantiated and your father received his B.A. in the US, then no, you are not 1st generation.

EDIT: If both your parents had their education outside the U.S., AMCAS will mark the 1st generation prompt on your application as "UNKNOWN."

But you might qualify as lower SES...

 

[Goro]

Hello!

So, I grew up in a really unique situation, and although I feel like I am first-generation/ low SES, I am not sure if I should mark it on my applications because of my father's background. Please let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

Mother: Born in Mexico, h.s. diploma, incomplete dentist career in MX to move to the U.S. Doesn't speak english, raised me and my sister.

Father: Absent figure, American-Fluent Spanish speaking, minimal support. Never lived with us. Unsuccessful small business owner - B.A., possibly masters, but I'm not positive because we don't really talk, I don't know him well and have never met that side of my family.

Older sister: Born in Tijuana, immigrated to the U.S. as a child.


My first job was at 15, part-time, to support the household. I felt like I had a difficult and messy transition into university, although I did have full scholarships, just no guidance or support from my parents. But on paper I'm not sure what my status is because I don't know my father's background and has never wanted to share it with me.

Yes

 

[persistenceofmemory]

Yes

So if my dad was/is not part of my life, does his education/income affect my application?

 

[Goro]

So if my dad was/is not part of my life, does his education/income affect my application?

Haven't a clue

 

[MCATISEZ]

Do you identify as a first-generation and/or disadvantaged student? I feel like what you put on your app in this case will be up to you based on how you identify. How it’ll be received will likely depend on your explanation and how you portray yourself.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[persistenceofmemory]

Do you identify as a first-generation and/or disadvantaged student? I feel like what you put on your app in this case will be up to you based on how you identify. How it’ll be received will likely depend on your explanation and how you portray yourself.


Sent from my iPhone using

I do... except legally, if they investigate my dad I'm not sure what they'll see. I don't even know if they can investigate parents, etc. ? I might be over analyzing everything... but I just need to be certain.

 

[LizzyM]

Write what you know to be true. If you don't know, say "don't know". You are not obligated to list your parents on the AMCAS but it can't hurt to do so. if you want to write the short paragraph about being "disadvantaged" as a child you can do that regardless of your parents education (I've seen the child of a lawyer and the child of a physician do it to underscore that their parent was disabled and unemployable during their childhood). You were raised by a non-English speaking, single mom who came here from Mexico with little more than a HS education. Adcoms won't have trouble seeing what the disadvantages of that might have been for you.

 

[DokterMom]

So if my dad was/is not part of my life, does his education/income affect my application?

His [possible] education did not enrich your life; don't let it disadvantage your application.