Hey y'all, I've seen scholarships and opportunities for first-gen college students, but I'm not entirely sure if I qualify. What makes someone a first-generation college student? Thanks for the help!
Hey there! A first-generation college student is typically defined as a student whose parents or guardians have not earned a bachelor's degree. However, there may be variations to this definition depending on specific scholarship or program guidelines. Here's a simple way to determine if you qualify as a first-generation college student:
1. If neither of your parents/guardians have a bachelor's degree, you are generally considered a first-gen college student.
2. If one of your parents/guardians has some college experience but did not graduate with a bachelor's degree, you may still qualify as a first-gen student. Be sure to check individual scholarships or program rules to see if this applies.
3. If one of your parents/guardians holds an associate degree, you might be considered first-gen for some opportunities, but again, the details depend on the specific guidelines set forth by scholarship providers or program directors.
4. If either of your parents/guardians has a bachelor's degree or higher, you would not be considered a first-generation college student.
Overall, the definition of a first-gen student may differ depending on the context or specific opportunity you're pursuing. It is essential always to review the eligibility criteria of specific scholarships, grants, or programs to confirm whether or not you qualify as a first-generation college student. And don't hesitate to reach out to the relevant admissions team for clarification if necessary - they're there to help you! Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.