Our Counselors Answered:
What questions should first gen students be asking?
Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.
What questions should first gen students be asking?
The same as any other student, except to ask if there are any particular scholarships available for them.
Nancy MilneOwnerMilne Collegiate Consulting
What questions should first gen students be asking?
Beyond the typical applicant questions, first gen students may want to inquire about support services and financial aid awards targeted to their population. Being the first in a family to pave the way through college you may feel like you are on your own or your family may be so excited about your matriculation that you feel overwhelmed either way. Having someone as a mentor or advisor to check in with can help reduce any stress in this new experience. There is no such thing as a dumb question, only an unasked one; so don’t hesitate to seek out help. I guarantee that you are not the only first gen student on campus and you should be thrilled that you’ve made it that far.
Kristina DooleyIndependent Educational ConsultantEstrela Consulting
What questions should first gen students be asking?
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!
Kenneth HutchinsonDirector of College Counseling
What questions should first gen students be asking?
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?
Megan DorseySAT Prep & College AdvisorCollege Prep LLC
What questions should first gen students be asking?
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.