So, You’re a First-Generation College Student
If there is one demographic that is highly sought after by colleges and universities around the country, it’s the first-generation college students. Because the financial aid process is so tragically unclear and never certain, first-generation college students are likely to stay close to home and attend a public university. In most instances, this is just fine. However, limiting your applications to schools close to home can be risky because you won’t know what the financial aid package will be until you are admitted. In other words, don’t hesitate to apply to your dream school just because it’s too expensive on paper. Although the process seems tedious, don’t let it break your spirit. Move forward, continue pursuing your dreams . . .
- Make yourself a timeline. It might sound like a waste of your time now, but if you begin in July before your senior year and give yourself the goal of finishing one critical component of the application process each week, you will be many steps ahead of most.
- Gather your allies. Always make sure that you have teachers, coaches, counselors, etc . . . who know you, know your situation and are willing to work with you to ensure your success.
- Give the ACT a chance. Take it more than once, and take the SAT as well. It’s the best way to be exposed to the tests and their formats without having to invest in expensive prep courses or tutors. I believe that the ACT is more of an honest and transparent exam.
- Keep your options open. Stay focused on the ultimate goal of going to college, but take time to learn about and select a list of schools that intrigue you. You can do this by asking those allies for their suggestions and researching schools on your own. You can also find colleges that match your needs by answering the myUsearch questionnaire. (shameless plug, I know)
- Utilize your local college/university. Go to their admissions office with a list of prepared questions about the admission and application processes. Ask them candidly how to make a good impression.
- Apply to at least 3 state schools that you will be likely to get into. Most state universities admit students based on GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you have the school minimums, apply.
- Highlight your first-generation status. If the application requires an essay or short answer responses, highlight the fact that you ARE the first generation in your family to pursue college. Make sure the people writing your letters of recommendation are aware of the fact that you are the first in your family to go to college. If they mention that in their letters, all the better.
- Utilize the Common Application. Although you might only be applying to state schools that don’t use the common app, it will give you some hint of what information you will need for the applications. Plus, it’s usually available July 1st and some state applications are not made available until mid-fall.
- Be confident. Remember that you have experiences and very positive characteristics to bring to the college campus community.
- Schedule an appointment with your high school counselor. Go over any questions you may have. If she/he cannot help, request that they put you in touch with someone who can. This especially goes for when you begin work on the FAFSA. Get help. Request it. Demand it.
- Get started on the FAFSA early. You will need a lot of personal information and your parent’s/guardian’s financial documents. Be sure to have your parent/guardian file taxes as early as possible. Beginning January 1st, the FAFSA is available.
Because the college application process is so confusing in many ways, the more resources you have regarding the process - the common app., a friendly teacher, a trustworthy counselor or mentor, books, the internet — the better off you will be. Utilize the tools that have been put in place to serve your needs. Remember, YOU are special. YOU are a trailblazer.
