Navigating the College Admissions Process as a First-Generation Student
First-Generation students face many challenges while taking on the college admissions process. Here is some of my advice for you.
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This email is written by Jasmine Ngo, Tigerway’s Program Officer.
Tigerway Parents and Students,
In this email, I wanted to talk to you about my experience as a first-generation student. As a first-generation student, I know firsthand the challenges and uncertainties that you may be facing. However, with the right mindset and resources, you can overcome these obstacles for your future.
During my journey, I struggled to know where to start, how to apply, what to include/work on, and how to finance my education. Because of this, I decided to start early and take advantage of the resources provided to me at school and online.
Here are some pieces of advice that I found helpful during my college application process as a first-generation student:
Advice #1: Start your college list early
Start researching colleges and universities as soon as you can. Attend as many career fairs as you can and reach out to college representatives and former college students. Along with career fairs, attend college tours to get a feel of what campus you’d like to be a part of. Consider school size, class settings, and opportunities.
I started building my college list during my junior year of high school. By building your college list early, you’ll be able to explore your options and have a solid understanding of what you are interested in by the time your college application season starts senior year of high school.
Advice #2: Take Advantage of your resources
Do not be afraid to ask for help!
Schedule times to talk to your high school guidance counselors, teachers, and mentors (like me, Jasmine, and Coach Larry)! We can help you with advice on the application process, FAFSA (financial aid), scholarships, resumes, college essays, and more.
There are also many resources available through college programs and programs online, including the Federal Student Aid website, the Center for First-Generation Student Success Program, and the College Board’s Big Future Program.
Advice #3: Tell your story
College admission officers always look for students who have overcome adversity and demonstrated resilience. Don’t be afraid to share your story by providing some of your unique experiences and perspectives.
Let your voice be known.
By telling your story, you are letting admission officers see you and your identity in a more personal way. In fact, some Colleges provide First-Generation students with specific scholarships and aid.
Advice #4: Don’t give up and be proud of yourself!
Remember, applying to college can be overwhelming, but with the right mindset and support, you can succeed. Don't hesitate to reach out to college admissions officers, financial aid advisors, or other resources for help. Celebrate this achievement with your family and friends.
If you are facing similar challenges, you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you succeed, one of them is Tigerway’s College Consulting Program. We are always here to support you and help you navigate the college admissions process with confidence.
Tigerway is a proud Founding Member of the National Test Prep Association (NTPA) where the NTPA consistently communicates with the College Board’s SAT Exam Team and ACT Exam to understand the future of academics and standardized testing.
Connect with us Today - get your Grades, SAT/ACT Scores, and increase the likelihood of admission offers into the most selective U.S. Universities:
Text us directly on our website:
https://www.tigerwayprep.com/
Or book a call with our program officer Jasmine Ngo at 781-510-0738 to get priority status on the private coaching waitlist.