<p>On the common app, it asks about the parents schooling. While bioth of us have had a little college, neither of us graduated, or even came close. Would our son still be considered first generation college? I heard this increases chances at some schools.</p>
<p>I believe he would be considered firsts generation.</p>
<p>When you write in where you studied, you can put an 'x' or something where the degree would have been entered. </p>
<p>Look carefully at the wording of the question, obviously. Are they asking if you attended or if you graduated?</p>
<p>If it's a meaningful theme in your kid's thinking, and a motivator for him, then s/he can also make mention of it within one of the short answer responses. But not just as a fact. Reflect and have the kid derive some meaning from this biographical fact. What does it mean TO HIM that he'd could be the first in the family to graduate.</p>
<p>Even if he mentions it once in passing, as a phrase or sentence, the Admissions Officers will pick up on it. It can add a few points!</p>
<p>One of the answers given in the drop down box on the common app is "some college" . Other choices are "high School" and the various degrees. I wasn't sure whether to leave it at "some college" and where we went, or just put in high school. A good point about the essay too. I'll make sure he get's it in some where.</p>
<p>If you went to college at all, putting "high school" would be deceptive if "some college" is a choice. You did attend college, just weren't able (for whatever reason) to continue long enough to finish.</p>
<p>yes and your son can express in his essay how meaningful it would be to be the first GRADUATE from his family.</p>