First Generation Students

If you are the first in your family to attend college, the task of finding the right school may seem challenging. Remember, you are not looking for the one perfect school; this isn’t Cinderella’s glass slipper! You are looking for one of many schools nationwide that will meet your needs. Begin by making a list of what you want or need in a college. List academic, social, financial, and geographical factors. Seek input from family, friends, teachers, community members, and counselors. Next you will want to research online, with college guidebooks, and when you narrow your choices, with campus visits.

Yes! And even worse, many actually ARE snobbier. In all my campus visits and conversations with students and former students, I think the issue comes down to money. Rarely will you find someone looks down on you because of where you grew up, where you attended high school, or your parent’s level of education. Instead students complain that their peers are overly concerned with designer fashion, expensive cars, and a social life that requires thousands of dollars a semester to support. If you don’t care, it doesn’t matter. But if you don’t like parking your beat-up Honda in a lot of BMW and Cadillac SUVs or you feel you need to make an excuse for why you can’t go out to expensive restaurants, clubs, or shopping trips, you may want to avoid these schools.Are certain schools considered snobbier than others?

The first question should be – Who do I know who has been through this process? Develop your own college success team with friends, teachers, counselors, and mentors who can answer questions and support you through the process. Just because your parents aren’t college graduates doesn’t mean you need to enter the process without knowledge or support. Once you have a team behind you, your work is the same as any other student – fine the schools where you will fit in and be most successful. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Most college students, teachers, counselors, and business professionals are happy to share their experiences. Just ask.

Quite simply, Yes. Finding a college that is a good fit socially is just as important if not more important for first generation college students than it is for everyone.

In some cases first generation students are minority students. In this case the first generation/ minority students need to be asking about support on campus for students that look like them who are from similar backgrounds. It is difficult being the "only one" in class. Ask are there student organizations on campus that celebrate your particular culture? Are there any scholarship opportunities for first genration students? Is there some type of mentoring program that help first gen students transition from high school to college?

Yes! There certainly are some schools that are "considered" snobbier than others. It's all about the culture of that school. Some schools have lots of students that are very rich, stuck up and privileged; therefore, the culture or reputation of the school may be considered snobbish. The truth is that there are down to earth students at EVERY college. In addition, there are snobs at EVERY college. Whatever school you go to you will be able to make friends with people who are similar to you because most colleges are a melting pot of different people.

Everybody is concerned with "fit" but this concept of "fit" is really for students who have excellent grades. #1 item you need to look for a college is to ask yourself what type of schools can I get into. #2 Considering the state of the economy a wise student does need to think about costs. I recommend having a comprehensive list of schools. This should include some Dream Colleges, Reach Colleges, and Cheap last resorts. I have students start with a college list that includes not only what they want in a college but also what they are bringing to the table.

First gen students should be asking many of the same questions that non-first gen students are asking such as: -Is there someone I can speak to if I am homesick or having roommate issues? -Who can help me if I'm struggling academically? -How can I get involved in campus life & organizations? These are good starter questions, though you will certainly have more along the way!

The answer to this question depends on your perception of what "snobby" encompasses. Some students would say that a school is snobby because there are BMWs parked in the student lot, while others would label a school snobby based on the number of students enrolling from private schools. However, these perceptions are superficial and it's important to remember that things are not always as they appear on the outside. You may discover that, though a school has high number of students sporting designer clothes and driving fancy cars, this doesn't necessarily translate to "snobby".

There are many great resources for finding a school that is the best fit. The best place to begin is by meeting with your school counselor or independent college counselor. With their help you will begin developing a "long list" of colleges that might be good for you. Once you have your long list you can begin researching the individual schools and start eliminating those that might not match your interests or needs. You can do this by looking at their websites, checking out reviews on college search sites like Unigo, and talking with anyone you know who may have gone to any of the schools on the list. If possible, you should absolutely try to visit any of the schools that make it on to your "short list" of schools to which you'll apply. Once you've done your research and developed your short list of 5-7 schools, you're ready to apply!