Family information - background?

[beatgmatyo]

I see that some applications ask for parent information, including college and graduation dates. Are these required fields and what is the purpose for requesting this information?

Thank you for your time.

[mbaMissionJessica]

They usually are required fields; each individual school will let you know by whether it allows you to submit the application with it blank. As to why they want to know, I believe it's just for information purposes and to get a fuller picture of the applicants. It's not a screening criteria or anything that the schools make judgments on.

I see that some applications ask for parent information, including college and graduation dates. Are these required fields and what is the purpose for requesting this information?

Thank you for your time.