I am by no means trying to ‘game’ the system. I am genuinely confused.
Both of my parents completed 4-year degrees in Colombia. After moving to the U.S. both of my parents were told they had to do some schooling to get jobs in their fields (Civil Engineering and Industrial Design). Having three young children and very little expendable income, they did not go back to college. Today, both of my parents are working jobs having very little to do with their degrees and are earning less than $75,000 combined.
So, in a sense, it is almost as if they didn’t go to college. Do you know what I mean? Do I count as a first generation applicant?
Schools will ask what your parents’ education level is. You will answer accurately (ex. completed 4-year degrees). Then the schools will decide if they consider you first-gen.
Probably not, though. They did go to college. That’s a fact.
That’s the story of most immigrants, however even if they can’t work in their profession and suffered because of it, they are educated and enlightened folks hence you don’t count as first generation.
You need to run it through the college. Some colleges have different criteria for this first gen thing.
My guess however concurs with the above post. So most likely you will not qualify. The ususual cut off is a 4 year degree from anywhere. Otherwise, the first generation thing could extend to students who have parents that are visiting professors and foreign diplomats for example.
My understanding of the first generation as a possible hook is that families who have children applying to a college and they themselves have never been to college are at a distinct disadvantage. There are certain intangibles that an educated parent (no matter where they got their degree from) passes on to their child that a parent who has never had this experience simply cannot do for their child. I think that is what the first generation category was targeting.
I just wouldn’t worry about trying to fit into this box. Start to highlight the other stuff that you bring to the table.
I know from my own experience that an immigrant like me who doesn’t understand educational system in US, received her education in her native language and works in an area unrelated to her degree, is at a certain disadvantage.
Local and English speaking parents are privileged in this regard even if they didn’t attend college, at least they understand high school and society better. However, i can’t label my kids as first generation in good faith because I did attend college.