My mom never graduated college and my “real” father, who last saw me at 1 yrs. old, also never did either.
My mom’s husband though, who never legally adopted me, did graduate with a four year degree.
Am I still a first generation college student?
I read somewhere that some colleges will consider yes and some no. Anyone have insight?
Some colleges will consider yes and some no.
Some will consider you as a first generation student. Just answer the questions on your applications…and leave that up to the colleges to,determine.
Since you posted this question in the financial aid forum, I’ll say…it’s my opinion that this won’t net you additional financial aid (unless there is some scholarship specifically for first generation students), but it might help with admissions…but only a tad.
The definition does vary from college to college. program to program. It used to be that the FAFSA asked highest attained education level of parents. If it still does, be aware that it does NOT refer to your stepfather even though he will be the parent whose financial info is on the FAFSA. Those two sections are separate in terms of definition of parent.
@cptofthehouse So I noticed when applying, I was asked about job of my parents; it says father/guardian…does this mean mom’s husband (who raised me) or biological man who I’ve never met?
To provide any meaningful advice, we will need to know which document asks this question, and what the exact wording is (including any instructions for how to answer the question).
Practically speaking, considering the intent of the term “first generation,” a step parent’s education certainly can count. It’s a Common App question.
Btw, many of us feel the “real” parent IS the one who raised you. The other term is “biological father,” for the man you never met.
Definitions vary from one college to another. How stepparent or non-custodial biological parent is considered can be one source of variation. So can whether a parent attended college versus graduated college with a bachelor’s degree.