Heading off to college? You're about to enter a big new world, and if neither of your parents earned a college degree, you're part of a special group known as first-generation college students.
According to NASPA's Center for First-Generation Student Success, a third of all college students identify as first-generation. Additionally, most first-generation undergraduate students are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and white.
Being the first in your family to attend college is a big deal, and it comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This article will help you figure out if you're a first-gen student, the hurdles you might face, and the resources available to help you thrive.
Criteria for being a first-generation college student
Are you the first in your family to be college-educated? It's a unique and proud position to be in, but who exactly falls into the category of a first-generation college student? Well, various factors come into play, and different colleges might have slightly different criteria.
Let's look at what typically defines a first-generation college student and how each factor can impact your college experience.
- Parental education level. Being categorized as a first-gen student often hinges on your parents' education level. The general rule of thumb is if neither of your parents earned a bachelor's degree, you fall into the first-gen category. This is a significant identifier because it typically implies that you might be venturing into unfamiliar territory without a lot of familial advice or guidance on the college experience. The college processes, from application to graduation, might be new not only to you but to your entire family. This situation might demand extra research, self-education, or seeking guidance from mentors and advisers outside your family circle.
- Parental higher education experience. Some institutions dig a bit deeper when defining a first-gen student. They might consider whether your parents have any college experience at all, even if they didn't earn a degree. This finer distinction can impact who gets recognized as first-gen. It's an acknowledgment that even some college experience by parents can provide a level of familiarity and understanding about college life, which might offer an advantage in navigating the college journey.
- Financial background. Your family's financial standing can also be a defining factor, especially if you're a low-income student. Financial constraints can add a layer of complexity, potentially impacting your choices, opportunities, and access to resources. For instance, being from a low-income family might affect your ability to afford tuition, books, housing, and other college expenses. It may also influence your college choice, the need for employment while in school, and your ability to participate in extracurricular activities or access additional educational resources.
- First-generation status in the U.S. The definition of first-gen can get a bit more complicated if your parents received their education outside America. Given the variance in educational systems and college cultures across countries, some institutions might still regard you as a first-gen student due to the distinctive challenges you may encounter in navigating the American higher education system. For example, the application process, financial aid system, and academic expectations might be vastly different from what your parents experienced in their home country. This situation may leave you with less familial guidance regarding the U.S. college experience, even if your parents have higher ed degrees from institutions abroad.
Challenges faced by first-gen students
Being a first-gen student is a badge of honor, but it comes with a set of unique challenges. We'll dissect some of these challenges, shedding light on how they might play out.
Lack of family support and guidance
Entering higher education without a family road map can be like navigating uncharted waters. Family members might be incredibly supportive, but if they haven't been through the college process themselves, there might be aspects they're unfamiliar with.
This can range from selecting the right college and understanding financial aid to making informed decisions about course selections and majors. The absence of a guiding hand might require you to seek advice and mentorship from teachers, counselors, or college advisers, who can help fill in the knowledge gaps.
Financial barriers
College is expensive, and the financial aspect can be a major stressor. Tuition, housing, textbooks, and other related expenses can quickly add up, creating a financial burden.
On top of that, navigating the financial aid landscape, from loans to grants to scholarships, can feel like learning a new language. Being able to financially afford college while understanding the long-term implications of financial decisions, like student loans, is a significant challenge that can affect your college journey.
Academic preparedness
The academic transition from high school to college is a big leap. If your high school wasn't resource rich or you didn't have access to college preparatory materials, you might find the academic rigor of college to be challenging.
There might be a learning curve as you adjust to higher expectations, more intensive coursework, and a self-driven study schedule. Bridging the academic preparedness gap is a real challenge but with the right support and resources, it's an attainable goal.
Social integration and imposter syndrome
College isn't just an academic venture - it's a social one too. As a first-gen student, integrating into the college social fabric might feel daunting.
You might wrestle with impostor syndrome, a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a "fraud," despite evident success or competence. Battling these feelings while trying to find your social footing can be emotionally taxing.
Navigating the college environment
Every college has its unique culture, set of norms, and even its own jargon. As a first-gen student, the college environment can feel like a new world with its own set of unwritten rules.
Everything from understanding course catalogs to engaging with professors to knowing where to seek help can be overwhelming at first. The process of acclimating to this new environment is a challenge that requires time, patience, and a good dose of resilience.
Access to resources
Colleges are often equipped with resources to support student success. However, you have to know about these resources and how to access them.
Whether it's academic advising centers, counseling services, or financial aid offices, it might be tough initially to know where to go and whom to ask for help. The stigma or fear of asking for help can also be a barrier.
Overcoming this challenge involves breaking down barriers, asking questions, and seeking out the support available to ensure a successful college experience.
Resources available to first-generation college students
There's a wealth of resources available aimed at supporting first-gen students to thrive during their college experience. Here are some resources you might find beneficial:
- Financial aid and scholarships. Financial assistance can ease the monetary load of college. Pell Grants and various scholarships aimed at first-gen students are available. Tapping into these initiatives can make your college journey more affordable.
- Mentorship and peer support. Mentorship programs and peer support groups provide a sense of community, guidance, and support. Having a mentor or a supportive group of peers can provide invaluable advice and a friendly ear during challenging times.
- Academic support services. Academic resources like tutoring centers and workshops can help bridge any preparation gaps from high school and support your academic success in college.
- Community college transition programs. If you're starting at a community college, transition programs can aid in smoothly moving to a four-year college, ensuring the continuation of your educational journey.
- Support services. Counseling and other support services cater to various areas of your life, so you're not just academically sound but also mentally and emotionally resilient.
- Networking opportunities and student organizations. Engaging in student organizations and networking events can help build a community, enrich your college experience, and create valuable connections for the future.
First-gen student FAQ
Got questions? We've got answers. This section covers some common questions you might have as a first-gen student.
What is the difference between first generation and second generation college students?
First-generation college students are individuals who are the first in their families to attend a college or university, meaning neither of their parents holds a college degree. On the other hand, second-generation college students have at least one parent with a college degree, providing them with a more direct source of guidance and insight into the college experience.
Am I still a first-gen student if my parents received a degree outside the United States?
The intricacies of being a first-gen student might take a different turn if your parents got their degrees from institutions outside the U.S. Some colleges might still tag you as first-gen since the U.S. higher education landscape could be vastly different from what your parents navigated.
However, the criteria can shift from one institution to another. It's a good idea to dig into the specific definitions and criteria your college or the colleges you're eyeing have set. Reaching out to the college admissions office or student services offices can provide a clearer picture regarding your status and the support you can tap into.
How can a first-gen student prepare for college?
Kick-start your preparations early - engage with your school counselors, soak up the wisdom from college prep workshops, and dive into the ocean of financial aid options.
Building connections with current college students or fellow first-gen individuals can offer you a sneak peek into the real college scene. It's also smart to look into colleges with robust support systems for first-gen students.
And don't bypass the opportunity to participate in pre-college programs or explore community college transfer pathways. Your active involvement in informational sessions, college fairs, and campus tours will arm you with a solid understanding of what's ahead.
Achieve first-generation success with College Rover
Embarking on your college journey is a significant milestone, and having a reliable guide can make all the difference. College Rover makes it easy to research schools, programs, and more, giving you the best chance of success as a first-generation college student.
Pretty soon, you'll be able to call yourself a first-generation college graduate.
