<p>Both of my parents were born and raised in the former soviet union; in fact, I myself was born there. My father received the american equivalent of a bachelor's degree there from a small institute of art, and my mother had not yet completed the requirements for a degree by the point of our departure. However, when we arrived in the united states, my mother decided to attend junior college for two years and recieved her associate's degree. </p>
<p>So, in a technical sense, the only american education my parents have received is community college on my mother's part. </p>
<p>Here's my question:</p>
<p>Is there any way that I would potentially qualify as a "first generation" student, or would the fact that my mom earned an associate's degree here eliminate my chances? Or would universities even acknowledge the degree that my father earned in the soviet union?</p>
<p>mshteyn, I believe your father would be considered a college graduate. There are many parents who attended college outside of the US.
I don't think it would really make a difference though. Perhaps you could incorporate your background into your essay, or make mention of your family's immigration in the additional info box in the application. Do you still speak Russian? Are you learning a third language? The fact that you would add to the diversity of a college with your heritage overrides a the "first generation" thing.</p>
<p>no you dont get first generation student benefit. if either one of your parents even ATTENDED and not graduated you are NOT first generation student.</p>
<p>Alright, well it's a shame that I can't put being a first gen in my aresenal, but yes, I do speak Russian and am learning a third language so I can certainly address that in an essay or something. Thanks for the advice, guys.</p>