Hello,
My name is Rebecca and I am currently a senior in high school. I live with my father. I have seen many definitions of “first generation student.” Most people are concerned with divorce and adoption and things of that nature. I have a completely different problem. My freshman year of high school, my mom passed away. As I read definitions of first generation it says "neither parent has higher than a diploma.’ My dad did not go to college, my mom did, but she is no longer around. I am confused on whether or not I am a first generation student.
Thank you.
Did your mom graduate from college?
okay yes, I did say that she went to college. yes she graduated. but again, is no longer around.
Not everyone who goes, graduates, that’s why I asked. No, in my opinion, you are not first generation.
Okay thank you! I was just confused. Thanks 
I’m sorry for your loss. Since one of your parents graduated from college, I would think you are not first generation. But on your application, you will be asked to list the level of education of your parents. if this does not include your mom, then the school will see that your dad has not graduated from college.
You can call the admissions office as well to ask your question.
Yes thank you. Some applications are confusing. I was using common app and it allowed me to choose that my mom was deceased, so the college could see that and make the decision. However there are some other applications that I have been filling out that practically require me to choose the level of education of both parents. Its been hard because I put her level of education down but shes not a “contact” on that level of the application. Every application has been different and its complicated sometimes. Thank you.
Well…one of the things on that application is your parent marital,status…isn’t it? And your dad would be widowed. That should help clarify. But it really doesn’t answer the first generation question.