<p>Hi I'm a first generation college student and my common app main essay writes about how hardworking my mother is (influential person) to make ends meet. However, my parents ask me not to apply for FAFSA as they heard that paying full fee would harm my chances. This is kinda contradictory to my essay...Should I rethink my essay topic or should I keep it?</p>
<p>Is your intent to help your mother get into college?</p>
<p>I see that you are an international student. IF you are not a US citizen/permanent resident or eligible non-citizen then you will not be able to file the FAFSA. As an international student your ability to pay will be a factor in admissions. At many of the schools that you are looking at, if you do not apply for aid this year as an incoming freshman (even though you may not need it this year, you will not be eligible to file in subsequent years). If your parents can foot the cost of you attending college all 4 years on their own (having over 200K), then by all means you do not have to apply for financial aid. However, if there is even an inkling that you need aid to make going to college affordable to your family, check the box, file for financial aid and submit any financial aid forms by the school deadline</p>
<p>@emeraldkity4 sorry didn’t specify things. i am saying her perseverance motivates me to strive for excellence</p>
<p>@sybbie719 it is affordable but i have a sister who is studying abroad in the UK. It is unlikely that I’m going to apply for FA but would it contradict a lot with my app?</p>
<p>We would not know because we have not read your essay to say whether or not what you wrote is contradictory.</p>
<p>There are plenty of first Gen students out there whose parents have built up successful lives an businesses without holding degrees. It is not a contradiction to say that you’ve learned from their struggles, while simultaneously being a full-pay student.</p>
<p>Do ask your parents to crunch the numbers with you. Make sure that everyone’s educations fit into the family budget.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if “first generation” means much for int’l students. It doesn’t mean much for domestic, so it’s unlikely that it means much for int’ls.</p>
<p>You can fill out FAFSA anywas as an int’l.</p>
<p>What are your parents saying? Are they saying that they can and will pay all costs? If so, then it sounds like you wouldn’t qualify for aid anyway. </p>
<p>Many First Gen students come from affluent families. Not a contradiction.</p>