<p>I was wondering what counts as first generation according to UVA in the admissions process? My father never completed college and my mother never attended college and the highest degree she earned was a high school diploma? Would I count as a first generation college student through UVA? I e-mailed the undergrad admissions and they said they don't know. I would really appreciate any feedback or an answer</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Wait, you emailed the undergrad admissions and they said they don’t know? That sounds increadibly suspicious. I believe that UVA would consider you a first generation if both your father and mother hadn’t graduated from a college. If your father dropped out I believe that would still constitute as not attending. However, I would wait for Dean J. to answer your question.</p>
<p>spt.leonidas,
I would call, not email, and ask about your situation specifically. First Generation is commonly known as a student who is the first in their family to attend post-secondary education, not necessarily receive a degree. I have no first-hand knowledge how UVa defines this for admissions. Use your communications skills, pick up the phone, and call. I’m sure you will receive a clear answer by speaking with someone directly.</p>
<p>Please let us know what you find out. My niece is in the same situation (Dad never finished/Mom never went) but but both parents are from pretty well educated families where most family members have a degree. So, it would seem disingenuous in her situation to claim that status.</p>
<p>The general definition of a first generation college student (not UVa’s definition…we don’t really need to have a different one) is a student whose parents did not enroll in post-secondary school (thanks blueiguana!). In the cases above, a parent enrolled in college, so I wouldn’t call the student first gen. However, they’re potentially going to be the first in their family to graduate from college, which is a great thing! :)</p>
<p>The person who handles the general email account passes any emails that can’t be easily answered on to a dean. They would just let the dean write back with the answer to the question.</p>
<p>Sorry to revive this up, but would a parent who enrolled in a community college but did not obtain a degree count as enrolling in a post-secondary school and not be considered 1st generation college student?</p>