<p>My mother got her associates degree at a community college which I'm not sure constitutes me as a first-gen. Would she have had to go to a four-year for it to count?
My brother went to LSU but transferred to a religious college and then kinda/sorta dropped out. Would his going to school count against me? If he didn't complete it, does that mean I can say I'm the first in my family to go to school?
I'm really just trying to see where I stand.</p>
<p>Different schools have different definitions. Research the schools that you are interested in. If you’re thinking about it in terms of “the hook”, truthfully I don’t think it makes that huge an impact in admissions in most schools.</p>
<p>Well, I’m thinking in terms of scholarships. Thanks for replying.</p>
<p>Most schools identify first generation as those whose parents have not attended college and graduated with a four year degree. Check the website of the scholarship for the exact definition that would qualify you.</p>
<p>No, by the majority of definitions you are NOT going to be first-gen (because of your mom, not your brother)</p>
<p>However, with that said, I looked very hard for first-gen scholarships and they were extremely few and far between. They generally had several other components such as low SES, minority applicants, etc and then essays, recommendations, etc galore.</p>
<p>My situation is like this…I’ve never actually been asked outright if I’m first-generation. They’ll usually be more specific.
When they ask, “Do either of your parents have a bachelor’s degree?” I say no.
When they ask, “Do either of your parents have a college degree?” I say yes.</p>
<p>An aa degree, is not actually considered a degree in most circles, but a certificate.
Neither of your parents have attended a four year university?
You are first gen according to the schools Im familar with.</p>