Commitment to public service is highly valued as is evidence of independant learning. This is now changing.
Many institutions now allow a family's ability to pay tuition to influence the selection process.
The best protection you can have against resource awareness is good grades. If you achieve at the highest level and make your interest in a college well-known, you are likely to gain consideration regardless of your family's financial status. Candidates with the strongest credentials are not affected. Advances in technology give applicants options in presenting their credentials. Most colleges are beginning to make their paper forms available on CD-ROM or on the internet.