Questions regarding schools asking about family history

Question

I've noticed a few schools that I'm applying to, HBS and Wharton, have sections on their application for family history. (Parents education, careers, etc.) What do they use this information for? The reason I ask is that I have a father that didn't graduate from high school and does manual labor work (he enjoys it). While my mother has a college degree, her career/profession is less than stellar. At 25, I'm already more successful than both of them. Will schools look at my background and be impressed that I'm doing so well despite my parents or do they take the mindset that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree?

riverripper · Answer

Probably helps...I am sure its a data point that doesnt affect your getting in. Obviously if your dad is an alum and now a CEO of a fortune 100 company that might have some weight.

mubs352 · Answer

I would say it helps if you have become more successful, career-wise, than your parents are (were). If your parents were Ivy Leaguers than it is almost taken for granted that you are also successful.

I think that if you do better than they did, it kinda shows that you were able to figure out yourself the path to success without having someone map out the direcions for you.

My parents dont have degrees either, so I do hope this is the case.

fooFighter · Answer

Plus I'm sure that could lead to some interesting essays. Now those might help you get in.

sudden · Answer

They have the family section so they can screen out the plebs. My father does not have a college degree (drop out entrepreneur), and I did not get in this year, so this must be true.

Seriously though, I asked a friend who used to work on the adcom of one of the schools as a volunteer student reader. He said they don't really care -- it can only help you if you have come from a more challenging background. Personally, I think that's likely true, but I think if your dad (or mom) is someone important, that helps a lot too.

rigger · Answer

I was wondering the same too. They have these questions for undergrad apps too. I think it goes both ways in the sense that you are succeeding above your parents and if your parents are 'powerful' figures.

Questions regarding schools asking about family history

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