First Generation or No?

[headindownsouthyall]

At the time of my undergrad both of my parents only had high school degrees. However, my mom started attending college right before I did. She began at the community college the summer before my Freshmen year. Now that I am applying for grad school, am I unable to classify myself as first generation college student? My Mom went back after I encouraged her to take a couple of classes since I was going to be leaving and I thought it would be fun for her. Just not sure if I am still technically a first gen anymore? Any advice?

[lilgreycells]

You can always check with the institutions you are applying to in order to get their official stance on this. I will say that in one of my previous lives I worked in admissions and we viewed students like you (parents had not earned a postsecondary degree before the student entered college) as first generation. So my guess is that yes you would be first gen but it never hurts to call an institution and ask them.

Good luck with your cycle!

[MsDarjeeling]

Hey congrats to you and your mom!  I was in a similar position and I too started and completed undergrad with parents who only had high school diplomas.  When I started grad school neither of them had completed college so I was still considered first generation.  Well my mom, like yours, had been taking classes at the community college and she finally finished last spring when I was nearly halfway through my Master's program.  Even though my mom is now college educated (seriously doesn't get old saying that!) the professors/admissions people I've talked to have said I'm still considered first generation because she finished after me. 

[Guest Gnome Chomsky]

Does it help in any way to be a first gen? I'm a first generation high school graduate but I never thought to mention it. I don't see the relevance. 

[MsDarjeeling]

There are some schools that offer small scholarships to first generation college students (there is generally other criteria as well).  Other schools just consider it an aspect of diversity largely because it is not easy bucking whatever non-college route your family subscribes to and navigating the college system by yourself.  It doesn't hurt you to mention it, but don't expect it to give you a huge leg up either.

[lilgreycells]

Right I agree with MsDarjeeling. It is part of the diversity category. So it never hurts to disclose but it won't be the reason you're accepted somewhere.