First Generation College Students Compiled by Dr. Tammy Sulik

Common Characteristics

Students whose parents had no or some college experience.
Forty-five percent of all undergraduates are first generation students.
Only 26% of first generation students apply to a four year college.
More likely to come from a blue-collar family.
More likely to be ethnic minority students.
More likely to have been encouraged by teachers to attend college.
More likely to report attending college in order to gain respect, to bring honor to their family, and to help their family financially.
Less likely to have goals such as personal development or meeting new people.

Strengths

If you are here that says something very positive about you.
You are likely to have done well in school or to have excelled in some area.
You are likely to be very persistent!!
One study reported higher ratings of self esteem, spirituality, and high expectations of self.
In general, you are resilient individuals!

May lack basic knowledge of the college system.
The impersonal bureaucratic nature of the university may be viewed as a major obstacle to getting a degree.
May worry more about financial aid.
May lack family support.
May lack support from friends at home.
May experience guilt for wanting a life different from family and friends.
May have a sense of “not fitting in”.
May fear failure more often

If living at home, meet with family at the beginning of the semester in order to:
Discuss class and work schedule.
Discuss course requirements.
Discuss amount of time needed to study.
Designate a quiet space to study.
Frequent interaction with faculty members was found to be more strongly related to satisfaction with college than any other type of involvement.
Therefore, it is very important to make an effort to get to know your advisor and instructors.
It is very important to develop time management and classroom skills sooner rather than later.
Use the library frequently.
Get involved in support groups, student organizations, and campus activities.
Get help with career exploration.

Plan to visit one or two faculty per week during their office hours.
Go in with a question or comment about something said in lecture or something you have read.
Let them know you are a first generation student and that your goal is to get to know them.
Think about applying for a work study position in the department you are interested in majoring in.
Attend study skills workshops.
Seek help early in subjects you are struggling with.
Make an appointment for a library tour if you haven’t already had one.
Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with financial aid if concerns or questions come up.
Check the financial aid web site for scholarship information.
Make a goal to join one or two student organizations and be an active participant!
Become familiar with the resources on campus.
Counseling and Psychological Services is located in Stewart Hall and is staffed by six doctorate level psychologists.
We provide free counseling for a wide variety of presenting issues.
Call 308-3171 to make an appointment.
Psychologists in the counseling center can help you with the career exploration process.
There are several assessments such as the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs that are frequently used.