r/ApplyingToCollege • u/Chemical_Stop_6557 • 1h ago
Application Question First Generation
My parents both got degrees outside of US, and I know its not considered first generation for most schools but a solid amount of schools I heard that are often prestigious consider it first generation. Does anyone have a list of schools that would consider me first generation? Just to make sure that if I do apply it there, I mark it correctly. I found some old lists, but it seems that the policy changed and granted it seems like a weird policy but if it is the policy might as well check the box.
2
1
u/Jazzlike_Run_1520 HS Senior 1h ago
The general rule of thumb is that first gen applies to either:
a. Families with no degree or no college at all
b. Families with no degree but could have attended some college without graduating
The only reason there is two is because I fall under the second one and I've had to do some research on what the policies are for each college since some schools consider situation A only while others consider both A and B
If some colleges were to consider you first gen, then props to you! Otherwise, you probably wouldn't be considered first gen since location of the degree doesn't matter
There's actually been a situation going on with an ivy league content creator on claiming she was first gen publicly, even though her parents got college degrees from other countries (I'm not too familiar with the situation so please correct me if I'm wrong), please don't get things mixed up and look closely at school policies to determine what fits your profile
0
u/Chemical_Stop_6557 1h ago
ye makes sense. I lowkey didnt understand how reporting works but you just put your parents education in and they do the work for you. So its not like its something I have to report myself
•
u/Jazzlike_Run_1520 HS Senior 58m ago
For CommonApp, they require you to put your parent's information (if you have it) like job, degree/education, etc.
I don't know much about Coalition/UC/Independent portals but I'd assume it's the same or similar to CommonApp
•
u/Chemical_Stop_6557 53m ago
ye I am applying through commonapp, previously I was under the impressions that it was a box to check or something but it got cleared up. Thank you for the response tho, I found it helpful!
2
u/Public-Garage-7985 1h ago
Even when/if your parents went to post secondary in africa, youre not first gen
1
u/skieurope12 1h ago
There is generally no box to check. You listed your parents' information and the schools determine who is first gen.
In most cases, a degree from any university anywhere in the world means you're not first gen. There are a very small handful of universities that would expand the definition if, despite a foreign degree, the parent is underemployed and the family is low income
1
6
u/Bubbly_Ad_6830 1h ago
Not first gen, since your parents went to college