You might be hearing the words “first generation college student” get thrown around a lot as you  apply for colleges. According to Brown University, a first generation college student is a student whose parent(s) haven’t earned a college degree. This includes those whose parents attended college outside of the United States. Being one of the first in your family to attend college is a huge accomplishment. Attending college as a first generation student means progress for the family and a future full of opportunities. According to Northeastern University, 57% of college graduates have more job opportunities. 

Being the first in your family to attend college, while exciting, can also be challenging. You are about to embark on a journey that no one in your family has been on and navigating it can be tricky.

Here are a few tips to help you adjust to your new and exciting life as a first generation college student!

01

Surround yourself with a support system

It can be isolating for a first generation college student to attend college. There are feelings of uncertainty and inadequacy. For this reason, it’s important for first generation college students to be aware of the support avenues that exist on their college campus.

Nearly every school has a campus organization designed specifically for first generation college students. These clubs typically put on events like potlucks, slam poetry nights, and more! It’s a great way for students with similar backgrounds to connect with each other. The University of Texas at Austin puts on events such as College Celebration Day for their first generation students to celebrate their successes.

Most first generation college students also come from international backgrounds. There are a plethora of clubs and organizations on campus for students of all backgrounds. Some examples are the Black Student Union and the Asian American Society. Wherever you are from there is likely a club for you. 

First generation college students can often feel lonely or unsure of their path. They sometimes might feel “imposter syndrome” and like they don’t belong. On-campus counseling is a great resource for someone who needs someone to talk to.

tips for first-generation parents
02

Take advantage of financial aid

Oftentimes first generation college students (and college students in general) are intimidated by the sticker price* of attending college. Getting a degree can be expensive but there are many financial opportunities available.

03

Ask for help when you need it

College classes can be difficult. Between homework, essays, a job,  and trying to maintain a social life, college can be overwhelming. College campuses are overflowing with help centers for first generation college students. Asking for help is the first step.

The biggest piece of advice that can be given to first generation college students is kind of cliche but important. Do your best. This is new territory for you and giving yourself room to grow and make mistakes is the best way to learn. There is no secret formula to success for college students. But if you use the resources available to you, prepare ahead for your classes, and have a strong support system around you, success is in your future. 

Be proud of yourself. You’re the first in your family to go to college. This comes with inevitable uncertainties but, should also be a time for self-exploration, fun, and excitement. 

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Frankly, a better question may be what doesn’t an independent college counselor do? Your independent college counselor is a knowledgeable professional who knows everything there is to know about colleges and college admissions. They should be able to answer questions from “what school has the best toxicology program in the country?” to “how do I know this school is right for me?”

Your counselor communicates the most up-to-date information about the college admissions process. At the most basic level, your admissions officer should teach you how to:

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Much like any other form of consulting, building a trusting relationship is foundational! Your college counselor should know who you are, what matters to you, what kind of learner you are, and where you would thrive. Your college counselor should act as a jack of all trades. They should help paint pictures, cook up the best opportunities for you, tell great stories, and cheer you on. 

College counselors paint

If you are lucky enough to work with a college counselor at the beginning of your high school experience, your college counselor will help you paint the picture of a successful student. They will help you strategically pick classes, extracurriculars, and volunteer opportunities that highlight your passions and strengths. Your advisor will help create a clear plan of success from the moment you set foot on campus to the moment you graduate. If you don’t know what you want to major in or where you want to go to college, your counselor will paint broad brushstrokes to help you explore your interests and finetune them over time. They may encourage you to try new hobbies or activities to get a feel for what you like and dislike. You can use this information to help narrow down what majors you may be interested in. 

College counselors tell stories

Your counselor will story tell in one vital way: they will provide important information about the college admissions process. The most important thing a college counselor can do is equip you with the knowledge and tools to make the right decisions. The best college counselors have worked with a diverse range of students with every background and passion imaginable. These experiences will inform the schools they point you to, the information they provide, and the advice they give. The best college counselors have a feel for each college as well. They can explain the cultural differences between Boston College and Boston University. While stories may not feel extremely important, they help guide one of the most important decisions you’re going to make. If they know and care about you, they will use qualitative information to recommend the best schools for you.

College counselors cook

College admissions is not formulaic. There is no one perfect recipe. Instead, college counselors leverage your unique skills and experiences to create an entirely unique application, one that is authentically you. They know how to turn your negatives into learning experiences and promote your positive experiences. Your college counselor should work with you to curate the message you want to communicate to colleges and universities. They will use unique recipes to prepare you for each college interview you take and every personal statement and supplement essay you write, even if this means hours of editing and interview prep. 

College counselors cheer

Your counselor should be your biggest cheerleader. They will push you to take classes that will challenge you, support you as you take on more leadership roles, and help you learn meaningful lessons when you fail. A great counselor will cheer you on as you apply to schools you thought you’d never get accepted to; they cheer even harder when you get in.