<p>So I'm filling out my college applications and I'm confused about something. If each of my parents has a 2-year degree from a 4-year university, did they technically graduate from a 4-university? This might seem like a dumb question, but it's got my parents and me stumped. We feel like the question is implying that they would have bachelor's degrees, but they don't; they have associate's degrees. Still, they did graduate with a degree from a 4-year university. Thanks for your help in advance! Please don't hate on me for my ignorance :/</p>
<p>If you look at the CA, they ask for: name of college, degree and year. Just have them put Associate under degree, colleges will understand that they got 2 yr degrees and will act accordingly.</p>
<p>Actually this is for two schools that don’t use the Common App. They are straight yes or no questions. There is no option to comment or clarify, really. “Did your parent graduate from a 4-year college or university?” Well, yes, but not with a 4-year degree.</p>
<p>I think you can safely answer “no”.</p>
<p>Hmmm…that is a gray area. I would consider calling the admissions office or emailing them.
It’s not a dumb question because they left themselves open to the ambiguity.
They might be trying to find out if you are the first to go to college in your family or the first to get a Bachelor’s degree…</p>
<p>I agree that you should call the schools and ask; either that or give an explanation in the Additional Info section.</p>
<p>No, be strategic. Use the ambiguity. It’s easier to apologize than to ask permission.</p>
<p>Seriously. You are applying to a competitive school. That school’s mistakes are theirs to deal with.</p>
<p>(Though they’ll probably give you the okay to increase their first gen numbers.)</p>