Are you the first in your family to attend college? If so, then you are a first-generation college student. Being part of the first generation of your family to attend college is both an honor and a challenge. You have the opportunity to blaze a new path for yourself and future generations, but it can be daunting not having someone who has gone through this experience before you.

Fortunately, there are ways that first-generation students can achieve success in college despite their unique circumstances. In this article, we’ll explore what being a first-generation college student means and how they take advantage of all the programs that help them overcome hurdles so they can find success during their college journey.

Being the first one in your family to go to college can open doors for your family and future generations. A college education can also provide you with many benefits, including improved job prospects, greater earning potential, increased access to resources, the opportunity to make positive change in the world, and improved economic stability.

What exactly is a first-generation college student?

The definitions of first-generation college students vary depending on the context and who you ask, but typically it is used to refer to those whose parents have not attended college. Some widen the definition to refer to students whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree, regardless of whether they attended college. Other definitions may include those from low-income families, students of color, veterans, and/or foster children.

No matter the definition, first-generation college students often face unique challenges when pursuing higher education due to limited access to resources and support systems available to them.

The main challenges faced by first-generation college students 

First-generation college students often face numerous hurdles when pursuing higher education, including lack of guidance on navigating the admissions process and feelings of isolation or feeling out of place on campus. Additionally, first-generation students may be less likely to have access to financial aid or other forms of support due to their low-income status or lack of family connections. Furthermore, first-generation students can find it difficult to acquire mentors who can provide support and advice throughout the college experience.

Many first-generation students find it difficult to adjust to the rigors of higher education, and some may face additional challenges. Those who are the first in their family to pursue postsecondary education may have limited knowledge about the college application process, lack financial resources and support from family members, or feel unprepared academically due to educational gaps between their peers. Additionally, language and cultural barriers may present additional difficulties.

How can first-generation college students succeed?

If you’re a first-generation college student, it may feel like you don’t have anyone around you who understands what it takes or what it’s like going through this process for the very first time – but this doesn’t mean that you’re alone! In Walking in the Shoes of a First-Generation College Student, other first-generation students tell their story.

Navigating a college campus can be intimidating for any student, but first-generation college students often face additional challenges. To help ensure success, it’s important that you build a support network of both family and friends who can provide you with much-needed encouragement, advice, and emotional support throughout your college journey. It’s important also that you tap into all resources available to first-generation students (more below).

Ultimately, the journey to earning a college degree is different for everyone — regardless of their familial background. Having the courage to be the first in your family to pursue higher education is a remarkable accomplishment that can open the doors to many exciting possibilities. With diligence, dedication, and hard work, you are sure to find success.

Are there any resources for first-generation students?

There are many programs available to first-generation college students that aim to provide support and guidance throughout their educational journey.

Here are some of the programs that fist-generation college students should become aware of and take advantage of:

• Admissions –– Your unique first-generation status could actually attract the attention of admissions officers, resulting in your application being viewed more favorably. Even if you’re not quite as competitive academically or extracurricularly, colleges may be more lenient when evaluating a first-generation student’s qualifications for admission. They do this because they recognize the hurdles many first-generation students face. In fact, many colleges measure and report the percentage of first-gen students they admit. For example approximately 20% of the Class of 2026 at Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell are first-generation college students. So, if you are a first-gen student, you should let the admissions officers know that in your college application.

• First-Generation Student Success Resources — Many colleges offer resources specifically geared toward first-generation college students, including academic advising, tutoring, career development, financial aid planning, and leadership development. These programs can provide personalized advice and guidance throughout their time in school. Additionally, some schools offer specialized orientation programs to help first-generation students acclimate to college life more easily.

• Scholarships — Colleges may also offer financial aid or scholarship opportunities specifically for first-generation students. There are also organizations like QuestBridge that work to connect high-achieving, low-income students with college and scholarship opportunities. 

• Mentorship Programs — Colleges across the country offer mentorship programs designed to support first-generation students, such as The First-Generation Mentor Program at University of Southern California, which is facilitated by alumni who have been through the same experience.

• Organizations — There are also many nonprofit organizations dedicated to aiding first-gen students, such as the Center for First-Generation Student Success.

You should also check if your school has social programs designed to connect first-generation students with each other, so you can have a community of peers that share your experience and understand the challenges you face.

Furthermore, be alert for special activities on the 8th of November — a day when institutions throughout the nation commemorate first-generation students and alumni. Maybe your school will welcome speakers to campus or even provide “first-gen swag.”

Also, check out TUN.com for more resources to help students succeed and TUN’s Scholarship Search Engine to access scholarships.

How do colleges know that you are a first-generation student?

Colleges typically ask applicants to self-identify as first-generation college students on their applications. Some schools also use data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to identify first-generation college students since this form collects information about a student’s legal guardians and whether either parent has received a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, some colleges ask for additional documentation, such as high school transcripts or letters of recommendation, to verify that a student is indeed the first in their family to pursue higher education.

Conclusion

Earning a college degree is an incredible feat — but it can be even more meaningful for those who are the first in their family to pursue higher education. As long as you stay focused on your goals and take advantage of all the support systems available to you, then being part of this special group known as”’first-generation” will only serve as an additional benefit during your journey towards success!