1st Gen College Student?

Applying to College
1

My first question is if I’m even a 1st gen college student. My mom graduated high school and went to about a year of college and dropped out. My dad graduated high school and got an associates degree (2 years), but not a 4 year degree. All my life I believed that I wasn’t a first gen college student because my dad went to college for two years, but I’ve seen online that some people/ schools consider fist gen college students as kids whose parents did not get a 4 year degree.

Furthermore, I am also under the belief that even if I am a fist gen college student, it will not help my apps at all, as my family’s total income is in the 100,000-140000 bracket.

Am I a 1st gen college student, and if so, will it affect my chances to colleges (even if it is so minor)?

2

No, for most schools you would not be considered 1st gen, since your father has an associates.

3

@guineagirl96 okay, thanks. That’s what I thought but I just wanted to make sure.

4

1st gen college student…only the admissions office at schools you apply really knows and they will not tell you or will give you a vague semi-political answer more likely.(so nobody knows outside their loop)

5

Actually, at schools where it matters (ie., elite colleges) and where it’s either a hook or a boost, what they mean is “neither parent graduated from a 4-year college”. The definition varies at other colleges, so outside Top 50 LACs and Top 25 Research Universities, you need to email Admissions and ask.