<p>I'm going to be applying to colleges next year and I was wondering if I was a first-generation student if I need to indicate that on my apps. I have cousins that are currently enrolled or recently graduated from college but both of my parents were immigrants and never went to college. Does this make me a first-generation or do my cousins count as well?</p>
<p>Thanks for the help! Btw, this is my first post but I've been reading around on the site and I've been able to get a lot of good information the past few months!</p>
<p>You don’t actually write “first generation” on the application. They ask if/where your parents went to college. If neither went to college, you’re considered first generation.</p>
<p>Your grandparents wouldn’t even count. Not to mention, your cousins are probably the same generation as you.</p>
<p>Usually they will ask whether you are or not, sometimes for financial purposes - some schools offer scholarships or other aid for those who are first generation. It is not something you would write on the application unless asked.</p>
<p>I’ve never seen a college admissions application ask “Are you first gen to college?” Rather they do what Billy stated, ask where your parents attended college and what degree(s), if any, they attained. Since different colleges may have different definitions of first gen, each college can then determine if you fit their definition.</p>
<p>For your specific case, again, cousins are your gen and don’t count. As long as your parents never attended college anywhere, you would fit under any definition of first gen.</p>
<p>Hi, I have a similar question. My parents were immigrants, and both went to college in China. But they both went to graduate school in the States. Am I therefore not “first-generation”?</p>
<p>First gen does not mean, “first generation to attend college in the US”, but rather first gen to attend college ANYWHERE. And yes, grad school counts as attending college also, you are very far from being considered first gen by anyone ;).</p>