<p>I have a strange situation about the parent education section on the common app. My parents went to college in Thailand. Neither of their colleges are actually in the database. I know I can add it myself but there's problems with this also. Basically neither of their degrees are recognized in the US so they couldn't work using them without having more education in the US (which neither of them did). This was the grounds for my admission to the Upward Bound program, basically they counted me as a first-generation student and admitted me even though my family made a tiny bit above the low-income requirement. </p>
<p>So would adding the colleges count against me? I'm afraid that because of that and because my family's income is a lot higher now than when I joined Upward Bound that it would be suspicious for the colleges and they might dispute my eligibility for participating. Even though it's a big part of my applications (I talk about finding community and support and stuff). But then I also don't want to NOT include it and have the colleges think I'm lying to get an advantage. Anyways any help is appreciated.</p>
<p>For foreign degrees you generally do not include it I think.
If there degrees are not recognized in the US, you are by all metrics a first generation college student as well I think.</p>
<p>I have/had this problem! My parents went to school in Vietnam, which is really pesky because the college’s name changed so we had to hunt for it. Read: U of Saigon is now Ho Chi Minh U. Like what. </p>
<p>If you can’t find it in the database, add in the name anyway. And as for Upward Bound, that’s what the additional info section is used for! It doesn’t sound like you’re a super-affluent kid trying to game the system at all – you and your parents honestly did work hard to get where you are. Best of luck! </p>
<p>Thank you both! I guess re: what cypres said I will probably just add it in anyways. My additional comments section is actually full (had a lot to explain about medical issues and other stuff) and besides I don’t want to sound defensive (“I swear I’m poor, trust me!”). But I could add it if I need to. Do you think it would really be necessary to add or should I just let the college ask about it later if they’re curious?</p>
<p>sweetconundrum is incorrect. Your parents are university educated, regardless of the CA database. This is what colleges are interested in. You’re not “first generation” in any definition. I’m not saying you were trying to present that – I just wanted to correct the other poster’s remark</p>
<p>Yes <em>always</em> list your parents college. It doesn’t matter if it qualifies them for certain positions that are licensed in the US or not. No matter at all. If your college knows it is some obscure place they can choose to take that into consideration–it is not you the student who determines first gen or not, you just give the info to them.</p>
<p>Also there is no need to try to justify why you were in Upward Bound. The colleges are not going to question why or what your income was, they will take it at face value and not second guess. If you were admitted it is legit and they know that. Of course that is an important program for you and you want to say to, no apologies needed!</p>
<p>Okay then, I’ll include their colleges for sure. Thank you both for having a solid answer! And also for putting my mind at ease re: Upward Bound! I guess I’m just getting super worried over every little detail since I’m getting ready to submit. I need to chill.</p>
<p>Put your parents’ colleges there anyway. Even though they didn’t attend college in the USA, you are still NOT a first-gen college student. Take it from someone who is also the child of immigrants.</p>