<p>Both of my parents lived through the cultural revolution, so they didnt attend college in China.
My dad doesn't even have a high school diploma. He's a dishwasher.
My mom attended two years of high school. After she moved to canada, she attended some program in a community college, which granted her a certificate (not a diploma, a certificate). She's jobless.</p>
<p>I'm wondering if I'm considered a first-generation college student? And if so, what advantages are there?</p>
<p>My parents are in the same position, except both of my parents only a high school diploma. Still, through hard work and perseverance, they operate a shop right now and do pretty well considering their low level of education.</p>
<p>As for the college process, being first-generation definitely counts for something, but it is not a hook like being a recruited athlete or a URM. </p>
<p>We technically have a disadvantage because everyone else’s parents who went to college knows how the process works and can help their kids get into college especially into schools where they would be legacies, but our parents are clueless.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, they give us this teeny tiny little boost if we are first-generation students. There’s many other more informational threads on this, just do a little searching.</p>
<p>But yes, it is helpful.</p>
<p>Colleges vary in what they consider first gen. Some will not consider you first gen if either of your parents attended college, others will consider you first gen as long as neither parent earned a college degree.</p>
<p>First gen is generally a tip factor, the importance a school puts on first gen status also varies by college.</p>
<p>Applications will never ask you if you are first gen, rather they will ask for your parents college work and degree. Just indicate when your mother attended CC, but that no degree was earned.</p>
<p>The distinction will be important when it comes to financial aid/scholarship applications. It never hurts to ask the specific organization, but if no one in your family has earned a college degree, then most often you would be considered first generation.</p>
<p>Lauren</p>