<p>Who is considered a first generation college student? My dad never went to college, and my mom went to college for 3 years but did not graduate. My uncle and sister went to college, though. Am I considered a first generation college student?</p>
<p>If your mother attended college for 3 years, you would NOT be considered "first generation college student" by colleges. So the answer would be no. Regardless, this is only one factor that, though considered by many schools, is not nearly as important as many other academic and non-academic factors, i.e., GPA, test scores, academic rigor, EC's, essays, recommendations, class rank, etc.</p>
<p>Ok, thanks! I was just wondering.</p>
<p>Neither of my parents went to college, but my sister is attending college... am i still considered first generation?</p>
<p>You are still considered first generation. First generation basicly only refers to your parents because you and your sister are a part of the same generation.</p>
<p>x3rose,</p>
<p>Different schools will define it in different ways. "First generation" college student usually will refer to a student whose parents have not attended college, period, and whose highest academic credential would be a high school degree or less. As well, some schools will define "first generation" as "first members of their immediate family" to attend college. In this case, if you abide by the definition, your sister would be "first generation" college student; however, you would NOT be. </p>
<p>There is even some inconsistency within the U.S. Department of Education in the specific definition. In their Institute of Education Sciences / National Center for Education Statistics, they have conducted studies of "first generation" college students using different definitions.</p>
<p>What is important about this status, though, is not whether you are indeed "first generation" but how it fits into the context of how your admissions application is evaluated. It is only one factor that is considered, and stood alone, it does not mean much. The matter of being "first generation" is a factor that is weighed with all other admissions factors that are important to a given college/university. For example, "first generation" status will mean little to a college adcom if the student's family has obvious financial assets. It is more typically considered as one flag for those who are disadvantaged in their socio-economic means. </p>
<p>Colleges understand that there are less opportunities for many "first generation" students, and thus sometimes translating into a more challenging environment in which to gain education and matriculate to the next level. For these students, many of whom may be wage-earners for their families and whose parents may not even have a high school diploma, colleges will look at the student's ability to persevere despite the socio-economic hardships, obstacles and family mindsets. By "mindsets", I refer to some parents of "first generation" students who see no value in college and would prefer that their children enter the work force immediately after high school. Even if need-based financial aid is substantially offered, these parents may only reluctantly accede to their children attending college. What they see, through their filtering "lens", is that there will be a loss of immediate income necessary for the family as a whole to sustain themselves. Balancing these immediate priorities against the prospects of creating better future opportunites is a difficult prospect and often results in tremendous angst for the student and the family. Sacrifices will be made without any doubt if the student enters into college. However, if the student does not break what has likely been a multi-generatinal cycle, the family continues a circle of socio-eonomic defeat, perhaps even a continuing impoverished existence.</p>
<p>Almost all selective colleges have programs that aid first generation students, i.e., mentoring, tutoring, assigned faculty/counseling support, and special activities. These are meant to balance the "playing field" for students who arrive without having had the benefits many of their classmates may take for granted. My own sense is that this type of "first generation" student may not be spending much time on CC, because s/he has so many more personal and immediate exigencies to attend to, but this would be the type of "first generation" student that adcoms are seeking to prevent their falling through the crack.</p>
<p>thanks norcaldad! i'm glad that on apps they don't ask you to check off if you're first gen or not and only ask what your parents'/siblings' education is. i come from a small family - single parent who makes 21K a year, so we're barely managing to pay for my sister's college education and let alone mine in one year... my mom really encourages us to attend college because she sees that as a means of improving socioeconomic conditions. however, i did realize this past year that students w/ parents that have PhDs/other degreees do have much more of an advantage. my friend was able tos tudy for the chemistry olympiad seeing as how her father has a PhD in chemistry while i wasn't able to because well, my mom has never even taken a chemistry course. they also get help w/ hw, tests, exams, etc.</p>
<p>so would first generation combined with good sat scores (2300+), 4.0+ GPA, 9 AP exams w/ good scores, and decent ECs would give me a good shot at some of the selective universities like say stanford? although i have never worked to help contribute to the family income. my mom never believed in working while still in school because it's distracting.</p>
<p>Questbridge is a really great program that helps out low income students... i received a full scholarship to attend a summer program at Harvard and it's one of the most rewarding experiences ever. i'm really enjoying my time here and learning so much about college life and where i would like to apply to school. it's great!</p>
<p>When you talk about whether or not your parents "went to college", are you talking about whether or not they were enrolled full-time in a 4-year college or community college, or just whether or not they ever took a college course in their life for whatever reason? Because both of my parents took a few random courses at community college after they graduated high school, but were never enrolled full-time, weren't working toward a degree, etc. I think I just ended up listing it as 'took some courses but didn't recieve a degree' on all the applications but I have always wondered if that made me a first generation student or not. It certainly didn't inspire them to give me any extra help...</p>
<p>BlahDeBlah, there are many people such as your parents who have taken some college courses but have not attained a degree or certificate. Because of this, you are not considered a "first generation college student". However, as I said, this status of "first generation" student is accorded more stature than it truly merits in and of itself. Rather, it is only one factor that will be considered as part of an adcom's holistic evaluation of the student's application. It must stand out as a compelling reason to further consider a student who may be deserving of admission but whose academic stats don't compete as well as those more advantaged. It becomes a subjective determination on the part of the adcom to factor in this circumstance for those students who are borderline. Obviously, if you have outstanding academic measures already, it becomes a rather moot point.</p>
<p>x3rose, in your case, your sterling GPA, SAT test scores, academic rigor and "decent EC's" would propel you to solid consideration at Stanford, even without a "first generation" factor. I think you have an very solid chance at Stanford, based on what you've shared. Since I am in the Bay Area, I am familiar with QuestBridge, and your Harvard summer program will be an excellent EC to include on your application. Most college adcoms will know about QuestBridge, and by implication, they will then know a little about your personal circumstances ... or be spurred to create some context to understand how you've achieved your academic success. You make mention of being in a "single parent" household, but you've also mentioned your father. Be aware that in the process of completing CSS PROFILE and FAFSA forms, you will be asked to submit financial information for your father (assuming he is living) even if he has limited involvement in your life. The PROFILE form will ask for a "non-custodial parent" form to be completed. In your case, admissions is only one aspect of the college process that you will have to consider, with financial aid being the other important aspect. Do try to stay on top of this, for your sake. Because you have an older sister in college already, your mother should already know the drill. Your EFC will be reduced by having a sibling in college at the same time. One last thing, because of your need for financial aid, I would advise against apply ED to any school, although EA or SCEA would be OK. Good luck!</p>