Applying to colleges can be pretty intimidating for any student, let alone if you're the first person in your family to attend college. After all, you don't have the first-hand experience of your family to help ease your mind about the entire process of getting ready for and applying to college. But, don't let anxiety over the college admissions process dampen your pride and excitement about heading off to school.
Just because you're less familiar with the process doesn't mean your college search shouldn't go smoothly. Here are a few key pieces of advice to help you out along the way.
Start Early. As a first-generation student, you have more of a learning curve when it comes to planning for college. Start thinking about college early in high school to make sure you're on track when it comes to taking the right classes and getting involved in extracurricular activities. You will be glad you did when you start completing those applications and applying for college scholarships.
Meet With Your High School Counselor. First-generation students and their families usually aren't as familiar with the college admissions process. Your guidance counselor can help you with the ins and outs of your college search, making sure you hit important milestones and deadlines such as taking the SAT or ACT. And your counselor will be invaluable in finding available scholarships and financial aid.
Visit Campuses. As a first-generation student, it is unlikely that you have spent much time on a college campus. Glossy college brochures and in-depth Web sites can paint a pretty good picture, but nothing beats being there. Even if you have received an education scholarship to a college, or been promised financial aid, go see the campus before making a final decision. You need to get an idea of what feels right to you - big or small, public or private, far from home or local. Many students say a visit to campus is the pivotal moment when choosing a college.
Involve Your Family. They are as excited and nervous as you are and want to be involved in your college search. Once you arrive on campus they'll be an indispensable source of support as you adjust to the challenges of college life. Get your family involved, whether it's visiting campuses with you, helping fill out financial aid paperwork, or giving your application one last proofreading. The more involved they are, the more they'll feel a part of your decision - and the more supportive they'll be in the long run.
Don't Sell Yourself Short. Education scholarships are not the only source of college financing. Merit aid programs are available for first-generation students. You could get thousands of dollars in financial aid just by being a first-generation student. Many colleges and states offer merit aid programs, and with these programs any college may be in your reach. To get financial aid you'll need to fill out the FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For info on that form, visit fafsa.ed.gov. To see which merit aid programs you might be eligible for, visit meritaid.com.
Remember, College is New For Every Freshman. One of the most important things to keep in mind as a first-generation student is that college is a brand new experience for every freshman. Once you arrive on campus the playing field levels - everyone is in the same boat as they adjust to a new environment, new schedule, new friends and a new way of life. It's an exciting adventure, and that's what the college experience is all about.
| I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to go to college. This means getting in, finding the right college fit and paying for school. I love to share what I've learned and I hope you can find some useful information useful in your college search. |
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