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For many first-generation college students, being an academic trailblazer is a dream come true.

But despite the excitement, this dream is often beset with challenges. First-generation students tend to graduate at lower rates than their peers with parents who earned a four-year college degree, according to National Center for Education Statistics data. Experts say the reasons that first-generation college students may not succeed in higher education are often both social and economic.

"Many of them are very academically prepared, they're really talented. It's just sometimes they don't have the information they need to go to the best school for them, to understand the financial aid process, to understand the right questions to ask along the way," says Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and The Suder Foundation.

First-generation can be defined in different ways, Whitley says, but generally speaking, the term refers to students from families in which their parents did not earn a four-year degree. According to an NCES report from 2018, recent figures show a third of college students are first-generation.

But they also balance other identities, Whitley says, with some being low-income and minorities as well. While characteristics vary, one thing that many first-generation college students seem to share is a lack of knowledge about how higher education works, she says. Because of that they may not visit campus before enrolling, seek out help from professors or understand the inner workings of college.

"First generation students can sometimes feel socially isolated because of the elitism at many institutions or they (may) have a hard time balancing their academic tasks with the need to work or help support their families. The best advice I can offer first-generation students is to ask a lot of questions about the same issues and challenges, and to remember that so many aspects of their experience (were) not designed with them in mind. It's not you, it's the system that is rigged," Marcia Chatelain, a history professor at Georgetown University - who also is working on a book about first-generation students - wrote via email.

Chatelain has also co-taught a course at Georgetown designed to help first-generation students understand how to be successful in college. In the class, she says the focus was on the "unspoken expectations of the college experience," such as relating to professors, identifying and cultivating a mentor and balancing multiple responsibilities as a student - like academics and employment.

"I think the students felt seen and also realized the importance of seeking help when they are overwhelmed," Chatelain says of the class.

Seeking help is a theme that several experts emphasize as important for first-generation students. University of Richmond President Ronald A. Crutcher, a first-generation graduate himself, recalls his own struggles in school.

In high school Crutcher had taken cello lessons and played in concerts at Miami University-Oxford. He was familiar with the campus and professors. But once he enrolled at the institution he felt alienated as one of only two African-American males in a residence hall of 250. He was determined to carve out his own academic path and show he belonged, but he struggled in classes and fell short of a 3.0 grade-point average in his first semester.

"This was back in the '60s. We were taught to toughen up and keep a stiff upper lip," Crutcher says.

But he realized that was a mistake. When he began to seek help from his professors, his academics improved. Now he encourages students to do the same.

"You're not indicating that you're weak, or that you're not well prepared or that you don't belong here when you ask for help. Everybody needs help of some sort," Crutcher says.

Pressure for first-generation students is not limited to doing well academically. Experts note that there is also the pressure of being the first in the family to attend school, serving as a role model for younger siblings and in some cases continuing to help support the family.

"I feel like at times I'm carrying the future of not only myself but my parents as well," Karina Ortiz-Gomez, a graduating senior at York College of Pennsylvania, wrote via email. While she says her family did not put any direct pressure on her, she felt it as a role model to a younger brother. Though she says her grades in college were generally good, a bad mark could make her feel incompetent.

For encouragement, she says she kept a picture of her parents with her at all times to remember everything they sacrificed for her.

Whitley notes that pressure can lead to impostor syndrome - the concern that a student doesn't belong and won't succeed.

Paying for college is another major concern. For Ortiz-Gomez, affording college was a major source of stress during her search. She describes herself as terrified about how she was going to afford school until she received a full ride to attend York College of Pennsylvania.

For many students - both first-generation and those with parents who earned a college degree - navigating the murky world of financial aid can be tricky.

"First-generation college students, especially those from low-income families, should be diligent in asking questions about how much college will cost them. Full scholarships can be deceptive if they only apply to tuition, and not fees. Also, they have to consider their educational costs may rise over a four to six-year period," says Chatelain, who encourages students to plug into first-generation support networks to find friends and allies.

"Also, find out how your school supports students facing food insecurity, housing options, and services designed to help with mental and physical health. Colleges need to understand that first-generation students sometimes need flexibility in their school and work lives and meet students where they are; one size fits all can't work for higher education," Chatelain says.

For her fellow first-generation college students, Ortiz-Gomez also has a list of what to look for when choosing where they'll pursue a degree: "Go to a college that suits you best, in terms of class sizes, major, clubs and sports, distance, money, etc. You need what works best for you, don't go to a school just because it's on TV, go because it's a home away from home."

Whitley encourages prospective students to look at data points such as freshman retention rates and overall graduation rates. She also encourages students to share their first-generation status with colleges and ask about programs and scholarships available to them, as well as having a similar conversation with high school counselors who can help them identify programs.

One such example, noted by experts, is summer bridge programs, which allow students to get an early start on campus and may be paired with advising services.

"I think taking some time to understand the campus community is really important. Many first-generation students do not know that it's OK to tell the institution that they are first-generation and to ask if there are programs and services for them," Whitley says.

Ortiz-Gomez wants first-generation college students to remember they are not alone and there is help available if they seek it.

"Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it; many people have been in your spot before and are willing to help. Remember your roots, and don't ever forget about the people who have helped you along the way. As for the families, keep up the wonderful support you keep giving us. You don't need to know exactly what we're doing, but the support is warming and pure - don't ever stop," she says.

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What to Know as a First-Generation College Student

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For many first-generation college students, being an academic trailblazer is a dream come true. But despite the excitement, this dream is often beset with challenges. First-generation students tend to graduate at lower rates than their peers with parents who earned a four-year college degree, according to National Center for Education Statistics data.

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My personal reflection describing my experience as a transfer student who has attended 3 different universities.

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What It's Like To Be A First Generation College Student.

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I am proud to be the first in my family attending college!

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I am proud to be the first in my family attending college!

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Definition of a first generation student:

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Definition of a first generation student:

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A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree. This means that you are the first person in your family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

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Welcome Chapman University First-Gen Panthers! First-Generation Programs supports the academic, social and professional development of first-generation college students. We serve as a resource for first-generation undergraduate students and their families.

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor's degree. This means that you are the first person in your family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor's degree. Being first-generation is a very proud accomplishment and we are here to support your success.

First-Generation Programs are open to all first-generation students at any time.

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Welcome Chapman University First-Gen Panthers! First-Generation Programs supports the academic, social and professional development of first-generation college students. We serve as a resource for first-generation undergraduate students and their families. A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor's degree.

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First-generation college students - students whose parents either never attended college or never earned a four-year degree - sometimes face a tall task when it comes to earning a college degree.

One study suggests that 89 percent of low-income first generation college students leave college within 6 years without a degree. There are several factors that contribute to these statistics, but the most important thing is to not let that scare you from pursuing your collegiate dreams.

The absolute last thing first-gen students should do is set aside their dreams and give up on college altogether. There's a whole world out there to explore and it begins with earning a college degree! That's why we asked several successful first-gen college graduates and collegiate support staff to give us their best advice on surviving and thriving in college.

9 tips for first-generation college students

1. Seek academic support resources early on

One of the biggest struggles first-gen students encounter in college is the lack of a family support system that has experience with the hurdles they're facing. In the midst of an increased college course load, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. This can become particularly stressful if you feel like you have nowhere to turn for relief.

"Take time and go to tutoring if you are having trouble," says first-gen graduate Tyler Yost. "If you're [stuck] on a single concept, go to your professor's office hours. They don't like sitting in their office alone and you could also learn a lot while you're in there."

If you're even the slightest bit worried about being behind your peers academically, seek assistance as soon as possible! Most campuses have a variety of tutoring and support services in addition to the office hours instructors keep that will help get you up to speed. There's no shame in asking for help.

2. Find highly-motivated students to partner with

It's mind-boggling when you consider the time and financial commitments of pursuing a degree, but not all students in college are going to be enthusiastic learners. "There will inevitably be group projects, and it's up to you to find those who will actually work hard and you'll learn from in the process," Yost says.

Seek out group and study partners who seem to genuinely care; they'll push you to learn more and make the most of your time. Yost says his strategy was to seek out military veterans, other first-gen students and students whose families live overseas - noting that many are very driven to earn a degree.

3. Embrace who you are

You don't have to come from a long line of doctors and lawyers to fit in or provide valuable perspective in the college classroom. "The classroom environment can be intimidating," says first-gen graduate Natasha Payes. "But your perspective matters. Speak up and sit in the front row."

Academic discussions in college are supposed to expose students to new points of view. You're smart enough to make it this far; don't let false notions or misconceptions about not belonging hinder your learning experience. If you put yourself out there and really engage with the course content, you'll undoubtedly walk away having learned more than if you stayed quiet in the back row.

4. Be proactive about financial assistance

While there are a variety of different scholarship opportunities available each year to students, don't expect them to just fall into your lap. It might not be the most exciting activity, but dedicating time to your scholarship search can really pay off in the end!

First-gen graduate Jessica Mehta recommends starting local - check with the school you'll be attending, places of worship and civic groups for scholarship opportunities. Once you've exhausted your nearby options, scour the internet. There are a number of credible scholarship websites that can help you in your search.

Mehta recommends using Scholly, an app that aggregates scholarship opportunities and has strong filtering options to weed out the irrelevant.

But staying on top of the scholarship search isn't the only thing you should be doing to maintain financial stability throughout your collegiate journey. It is important to keep meticulous track of any loan debt you're accruing while in school. If this isn't something your family support system can help you with, look into the resources available at your school - many institutions offer financial literacy programs to help instill a sense of financial confidence within their students.

5. Get involved!

"I would encourage first-gen students to find a way to create a home away from home at college," says first-gen graduate Chanté Griffin. "I made it a point to get involved in clubs on campus."

Want to know the quickest way to feel like you belong? Join a club! Whether you're joining a ballroom dance team like Griffin or associating with a student political organization, you'll instantly have common ground with other members and may just earn lifelong friends.

If you're not sure where to start, most colleges will have a list of student organizations and clubs - find a few that sound interesting and inquire. Most groups would love to have someone excited to get involved, so don't be shy!

6. Don't overload yourself

If you're planning on working a job while attending school, be cautious and don't over-commit. Let your employer know your situation; if you're working full-time and can afford it, see if a temporary shift to part-time work can be accommodated.

A common mistake is to not consider the time you'll need outside of the classroom to complete your work. You might have a class that only meets once per week, but the out-of-classroom workload will be similar to classes that meet more frequently. Plan for a heavy load and adjust as necessary.

7. Take (smart) chances

"Want to startup a business selling neon t-shirts to clubs? Start it. Want to play the mandolin. Find a group and try it," Yost says. "You won't have as much time to test things out in such a low-risk environment ever again."

This is an opportunity to go out on a limb and try something new that has always intrigued you. If it doesn't work out, you're in an environment that allows you to move onto the next thing that interests you with relative ease. As much as the college environment is about educating you to be successful when you enter the workforce, it's also a fundamental time in your life to truly find yourself and discover new interests.

Embrace the freedom and explore something new - you may stumble across a hobby or future career path that you'll hang onto for the rest of your life!

8. Build your support system

If your family is unfamiliar with navigating the challenges of college, who do you turn to for support? This ties into getting involved and seeking out academic help as both provide a great pool of peers and mentors who may be able to help. Many colleges have support services in place specifically to support and motivate students who may encounter struggles along their journey toward a degree.

That said, don't rule out the ability of your family to assist you - mom and dad might not be calculus experts, but they do know you well enough to listen if you need to vent. Besides, they probably miss you!

9. Don't doubt yourself

"I was scared. I didn't know what to expect. I just knew that college would be harder than high school, and I was deathly afraid that I would flunk out," Griffin says.

Here's a little secret: The quote above could be attributed to practically any student heading into college for the first time. Some might hide it better than others, but there's always going to be a bit of nervousness and doubt when you're taking a big step in life. Don't let it get the best of you - find confidence in how hard you've worked to reach this point and know that your family is proud of you and your ambition.

Roll those sleeves up

Now that you're better equipped to hit the ground running and excel as a first-gen student, it's time to get to work! If you're considering The College of St. Scholastica, leave no stone unturned and check out these 6 lesser-known CSS scholarships. You just might be a perfect candidate!
Want to know more about the first-gen student experience at CSS? Here's a firsthand account of how one first-gen student excelled at The College of St. Scholastica The College of St. Scholastica
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The College of St. Scholastica is an independent private Catholic Benedictine college with locations across Minnesota, in addition to many high-quality programs available online and through convenient evening and weekend formats. Since 1912, St. Scholastica has been preparing students for a life of purpose and economic gain by engaging students in the love of learning and active citizenship in the world. Our mission is to provide intellectual and moral preparation for responsible living and meaningful work.

Connect with The College of St. Scholastica

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9 tips to help first-generation college students thrive in the first semester

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First-generation college students - students whose parents either never attended college or never earned a four-year degree - sometimes face a tall task when it comes to earning a college degree. One study suggests that 89 percent of low-income first generation college students leave college within 6 years without a degree.