As a first-generation college student, I know that the admissions process can be a treacherous affair. Students who have siblings or parents who have already navigated the road to and through college have easy access to information that first-generation students don’t. So I’ve put together some advice for my fellow trailblazers (like you) to help level the playing field.
Here are five tips to keep in mind as you continue your college search:
1. Look beyond sticker price
The sticker price of a college and the actual cost of attending that school are not
the same thing. Many schools (especially the pricey private schools)
set aside large amounts of money for need-based financial aid. In some
cases, these seemingly unrealistic schools ($60,000+ price tag) can be
quite affordable. A good question to ask admissions offices is: does your school meet 100% of demonstrated need?
If so, these institutions will meet the gap of tuition between what
your family can afford and what the government says you can contribute.
The Net Price Calculator is
a fantastic tool that is on every college’s website—it is effective for
showing you the actual cost of college for you and your family.
2. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing
One of the most stressful parts of senior
year is the chatter about what everyone else is doing—who is applying
early, who is going where, etc. Do not listen to any of this. Worry
about yourself and put your best foot forward. Nothing good comes of
comparing yourself to others. This is a stressful time for students, so
why make it more stressful?
3. Cast your net wide
Similar to tip #1, don’t be afraid to
explore! Do not necessarily let geography (or cost) dictate where you
apply. The Internet makes it easier than ever to research all sorts of
schools. College is a wonderful time to live in a different part of the
country (or different part of the world), so take advantage of it! If
you are unable to visit, many college and universities have travel
grants (essentially mini scholarships for travel expenses) available for
first-generation students to help fund their college visit, including
transportation to the school and flights!
4. Start early (and stay organized)
Don’t let deadlines and applications creep
up on you. Yes, in many cases, applications are not due until the year
2014! However, once senior year starts, you will be bombarded with your
toughest course load, extracurricular activities, athletics, part-time
jobs, etc. Before you know it, you will be on your winter break and
deadlines will be right around the corner. Creating a simple
spreadsheet can be an easy an effective way for keeping track of your
progress and deadlines.
5. Have someone else read your essay
The personal essay is a very important part
of the application. It is an opportunity for the admissions office to
learn about who you are as a person, so you will want to take full
advantage of that opportunity! Proofreading can do wonders—if you can,
ask a teacher, counselor, parent, sibling, etc. to look over it for
you. Even if everything is technically sound, it can be useful to get
another person’s perspective or interpretation of your essay.
Will Geiger is a Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College and the co-founder of Scholarships360.org. Follow him on Twitter @wmgeiger
Click here for article: http://www.collegegreenlight.com/blog/5-tips-for-first-generation-college-students/
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