I didn't know people did this, much less that it would work.

This part definitely makes sense. Faculty actually like it when students show interest, and can open many doors for them.

I think it's more than informational frictions. Even subtle things like accent, how you dress, and body language, can separate first-gen college students from the more polished students from well-to-do families. That affects their confidence and ability to network in these highly educated environments.