Getting accepted to a college is a big deal. And it’s an even bigger point of pride if neither of your parents ever graduated from college. You are a pioneer in your family! This achievement describes a term colleges use to identify students who might start higher education with less support under their belts. First-generation college students are students whose parents or caregivers have not graduated from a college in the U.S. In other words, even students whose parents graduated from colleges in other countries or who took classes but did not graduate are still considered first-generation college students. Those who have cousins or siblings who graduated but not parents or caregivers are still considered first-generation. These students make up 54% of the college student population today.
Knowing whether you qualify as a first-generation student is important because you may be eligible for support programs or scholarships. This blog will help you better understand what it means to be a first-generation college student and will walk you through tips for being successful in school.
Learn What First-Generation Means
When you start applying to colleges, you might see the term first-generation student on the application. Whether you checked the box or not, make sure to tell your admissions counselors if none of your parents or guardians ever completed a four-year bachelor’s degree. Communicating this clearly is likely to open up more opportunities for you. For example, at Berry College, there are special student support services available to specific student groups including first-generation students.
Plan A Realistic Budget
Higher education can be expensive. Do your best to consider all your college costs for your four years upfront. Assessing financial resources will lead to success and relieve a lot of pressure. Take stock of every area of spending such as books, housing, technology, etc. When you get to campus, ask older students or those in advisor or mentoring roles to help you think through all the costs outside of tuition. Even if your grades are stellar, if tuition money dries up, then it will be difficult to graduate. Look for colleges or universities that support working students. For example, a culture of work is a major part of the Berry College experience.
Financial workshops on campus are a good tool along with having a relationship with your financial aid counselor. You can also let your professors and academic advisor know you are interested in applying for available academic scholarships.
Explore New Experiences
Once you're on campus, the excitement begins! Beyond attending classes, one of the best things you can do for yourself is get involved in and connected to your college community. Having a roommate might be a new experience for you, but even beyond the simple ways college stretches you, do your best to get out of your comfort zone. By trying new things and making new connections, you're on your way to growing, meeting major maturity milestones and feeling at home in college.
Seek Help and Support
In higher education culture, asking for help is considered a student’s smartest move. Get to know the support systems all around you, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself needing to lean on academic resources.
If asking for support isn’t something you’re used to doing or being rewarded for, it can feel intimidating. Many first-generation students say that one of the most daunting parts of college is talking with professors. Unlike high school teachers, professors may know less about you outside of class until you spend time with them. Still, you will discover professors are highly invested in their students’ success.
Office hours are an opportunity to get to know professors in a smaller setting, and they’re a built-in time for students to ask questions. If you feel nervous about meeting with a professor, ask a classmate to gather some questions and go as a pair. Also, don’t forget to use resources like academic tutoring, group workshops and study sessions.
Colleges give students access to career counseling and support services. These services are invaluable if you don’t know what you want to do with your future. In career services, there are people ready to help you narrow in on the best career fit for you personally and professionally. At Berry College, the Center for Personal and Professional Development gives students opportunities to take personality tests, offers career counseling and connects students with job opportunities and internships.
Still, you’ll likely need more than academic help during college. There are also resources available to help you thrive physically and mentally. When you get to campus, find your student health and counseling centers right away. Going to college isn’t just about growing intellectually, it is a season of learning how to balance all areas of life. Know now that 100% of college students drop the ball at some point and figuring out where to seek help is key to getting back on the horse.
Bolster Your Confidence – College is Challenging
Don’t let imposter syndrome set in if things don’t always go smoothly. Practice caring for yourself. Get quality sleep, eat healthy and talk to one of the many campus mentors who are there waiting to encourage you in these different support settings. Remember that admission to a college is your institution’s way of saying they believe you have what it takes to be successful!
