Mention first-generation/immigrant details in SOP

[giantpanda]

parents never graduated from college

first in family to graduate from college

first language was not english

language spoken at home was not english

Is it acceptable to mention any of the above (or anything else relating to being disadvantaged) in your personal statement?

[Strangefox]

parents never graduated from college

first in family to graduate from college

first language was not english

language spoken at home was not english

Is it acceptable to mention any of the above (or anything else relating to being disadvantaged) in your personal statement?

Sure you can mention the things listed above (but may be not everything relating to being disadvantaged) in your SOP. Just do it in passing, don't dwell on it unless absolutely necessary and make it positive!

Good luck!

[wtncffts]

I don't know, I'd say it depends on what kind of statement it is. I've seen some schools say specifically for SOPs not to include autobiographical stuff, just academic career and research interests. If there are two different statements (personal and research), it would be more appropriate for the former. Often, the department's website or the application itself does ask for specific information (e.g., "Describe your research interests and your career goals in the program...").

[Count de Monet]

I did in the introduction of my SoP because my particular background and upbringing were important in explaining why I wanted to study a particular issue. Basically, if it's not relevant to why you want to go to that school or what you want to study you should not include it because all it does is take up space that you may need.

[lab ratta-tat-tat]

When I mentioned that I was a first generation college student, SOME members of the adcoms were not impressed. They asked me why I thought I would be able to succeed as a graduate student with no family support. Other members were very impressed.

I think it is a great idea to mention it but be aware some people may not think so highly of it. To be honest it is impressive to get through undergraduate years and be the first in your family to graduate from college, but also, to pursue a higher level of education beyond your bachelors degree is impressive. If it ties in nicely with your academic career it would be a huge advantage.

[Nurse Wretched]

I'm from a working-class family. That's my people, that's who I know. I was very clear about that in my personal statement, because the question asked about what led me to graduate school and how my background influenced that. Being working class, being first generation college -- those are not shameful things. Those are not embarrassing details on which one should not dwell.

As for the adcomm who asked how one expected to make it in grad school without family support (as a first-generation student) -- who would want to attend an arrogant, classist institution like that? If the adcomm felt free to disclose their classism, that won't be the last time it shows up. Better to know in advance.