Tips for First Generation College Students

Being the first person in your immediate family to attend a postsecondary institution may seem daunting. Without help from family members, you may not even know where to begin the college planning process, much less know what to expect once you get to college. The following info should give you a better understanding of the postsecondary route and help ease your anxiety of being a first generation college student.

College Planning

Planning for college is often more difficult for first generation college students because they probably don't have assistance from a knowledgeable family member. If you need help with the college planning process, here are some tips:

Get acquainted with your high school counselor. As someone who wants to be a first generation college student, you will need a lot of help from your school counselor. Throughout your four years of high school, your counselor will be there to answer any questions about the different aspects of college planning, so be sure to utilize him or her as a valuable source.

Look for outreach programs that can provide mentoring services to help you prepare for college. Your high school may even offer this service as an after-school program.

Get your parents involved in the college planning process. Since planning for college will be a new experience for them as well, you should try to keep them informed about what needs to be done. Encourage them to meet with your high school counselor too. Often, a parent's biggest concern is how to pay for college, so try to get your parents to attend a financial aid workshop in your area. Keep in mind that if you are a dependent student, your parents will have to sign the FAFSA (Free application for Federal Student Aid) in order for it to be processed. The FAFSA is the form you and your parents must fill out in order for you to be eligible for state and federal financial aid. It is very important to fill this form out as soon as possible after January 1st of your senior year of high school. And remember: you must reapply for financial aid as soon as possible after January 1st each year that you are in college by filling out a renewal FAFSA.

Stay on track. Make sure to do each of the following so you stay on the postsecondary path:
• Register for appropriate classes. Meet with your school counselor during your freshman year of high school (preferably earlier) to discuss what classes you should be taking for all four years.
• Keep your grades up.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities.
• Research colleges and careers.
• Take the PSAT.
• Take the SAT and/or the ACT.
• Attend college fairs.
• Visit college campuses.
• Attend a financial aid workshop.
• Research/apply for scholarships.
• Submit your college admissions applications. Watch out for deadlines.
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1st of the year for which you are requesting aid.
• Review your financial aid award letter and accept the awards you would like to receive.

Types of Postsecondary Schools

There are a variety of postsecondary schools to choose from when you begin your college search. By researching the different types of schools, you will be able to make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Here is an overview of the various kinds of postsecondary schools:

Universities

Universities tend to be large schools with a wide variety of programs. They may have several undergraduate and graduate schools, colleges, departments, or faculties (School of Engineering, College of Business, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Science, etc.). Universities have undergraduate divisions that award bachelor's degrees and graduate schools that award master's degrees. Some universities offer professional schools that award doctorates. Universities tend to have research facilities and an abundance of social opportunities (fraternities, sororities, sporting events, clubs, etc.). Universities may be public or private.

Colleges

Colleges tend to be smaller than universities, but they still have a variety of programs. (Please note: Although colleges do tend to be smaller than universities, there are still some colleges that are just as big or even bigger than a university.) Four-year colleges offer bachelor's degrees. Graduate degrees may or may not be offered. The size of classes and types of social opportunities will vary from college to college. A college may be public or private, an independent institution or part of a larger university.

Community Colleges/Junior Colleges

Community colleges and junior colleges are two-year institutions that award associate's degrees and sometimes certificates in certain career-related subjects. These two-year colleges usually have less strenuous admissions standards and tend to be less expensive than four-year colleges and universities. Because of this, some students choose to attend a two-year college first to earn an associate's degree, and then they transfer to a four-year school to receive a bachelor's degree. If this is done, taking courses that can be transferred is highly recommended. Community colleges are public and non-residential, while junior colleges are private with students living on campus or in the surrounding community.

Technical/Vocational/Proprietary Schools

Technical, vocational, and proprietary schools emphasize preparation for specific careers, such as accounting, cosmetology, computer technology, culinary arts, health care technology, real estate, etc. Some schools specialize in only one area, while others provide a wide variety of programs. They award diplomas, certificates, licenses, and sometimes associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees. Although receiving accreditation from these schools will usually grant employment, students may or may not be able to transfer credits to traditional academic degree programs. The entire course of study at a vocational or technical school is often two years or less, although some can be three or four years long. Some of these schools are privately owned and operated, while others are public.

Public vs. Private

• Public postsecondary schools are supported by state funds. Tuition for a public school is usually less expensive than that of a private school. Moreover, public school tuition for an in-state student is much less expensive than for an out-of-state student.
• Private postsecondary schools are supported by tuition and donations. They are not tax-supported. While private school tuition tends to be higher than public school tuition, private schools can sometimes offer more financial aid to students for better affordability.

When it comes to choosing a postsecondary school, it is crucial to pick one that fits your personality and educational goals. After you have decided on the type of school you would like to attend, you can then narrow your selection down to more specific schools.