First Generation College Student?

[4thtimeretaker]

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Would anyone be able to explain this statement, my parents are immigrants to the US. My father had completed college outside the US, however, did not receive a degree from a US school and currently works in a managerial position where his degree is not useful. I was confused whether or not I have to put that I'm a first generation college student. Would someone please help clarify this. Thank you in advance!

 

[GrignardsReagent]

Generally it means whether your parents graduated from a 4 year institution with a Bachelor's. So in your case I would put 1st generation college but feel free to disagree with me.

 

[nooneyouknow]

You state your father has completed college, obtained a degree, and currently has a managerial position.
Do you really want to check a box that implies you have surpassed economic and societal obstacles to become a first generation college student that bad when you haven't?

 

[4thtimeretaker]

@nooneyouknow I currently have been approved for FAP and will be applying as FAP applicant, so yes I will be checking the box that states that I had economic obstacles when growing up.

 

[mc_bio19]

As immigrants I have no doubt that your parents and your family have had your fair share of hardships. However, since your father did attend college, I don't know that you should claim first generation college student status.

 

[dial1010usa]

It depends even though your parent had completed college outside of US, is it equivalent to US degree? Had he evaluated his degree here in US? Did they offer him same degree here in USA? If not, then he has some college not a degree.

 

[4thtimeretaker]

@dial1010usa the degree he received wouldn't be applicable here as it was related to law, so unfortunately, when he moved to the US he was unable to be offered the same degree without re-doing schooling again. I think I will go ahead and just discuss it in the disadvantaged status section and not check the "first-generation college student" section.

 

[dial1010usa]

@dial1010usa the degree he received wouldn't be applicable here as it was related to law, so unfortunately, when he moved to the US he was unable to be offered the same degree without re-doing schooling again. I think I will go ahead and just discuss it in the disadvantaged status section and not check the "first-generation college student" section.

Then I think you are a first generation college student.

 

[pastrynerd]

Would anyone be able to explain this statement, my parents are immigrants to the US. My father had completed college outside the US, however, did not receive a degree from a US school and currently works in a managerial position where his degree is not useful. I was confused whether or not I have to put that I'm a first generation college student. Would someone please help clarify this. Thank you in advance!

Both of my parents completed college outside the US and I put that I was a first-generation college student. This might help you:

Q: How do I know if I am a first-generation college student?

A: The formal definition of a first-generation college student is a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. At Brown, we think of it more as any student who may self-identify as not having prior exposure to or knowledge of navigating higher institutions such as Brown and may need additional resources. For example, if a parent attended a four-year college in a different educational system outside of the United States; if a student has only had close contact to people with minimal college experience; if a student and/or parent feel that they are unfamiliar with college culture at Brown-- these are diverse ways in which students might identify with the first-generation identity.
Source: Brown University

 

[MedicineN'Jazz]

I was in the same situation as you. My mother completed her Bachelors in engineering outside the U.S., found a job in the U.S., was laid off from it in the Great Depression, and now works as a masseuse. I didn't indicate that I was a first-generation college student.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Would anyone be able to explain this statement, my parents are immigrants to the US. My father had completed college outside the US, however, did not receive a degree from a US school and currently works in a managerial position where his degree is not useful. I was confused whether or not I have to put that I'm a first generation college student. Would someone please help clarify this. Thank you in advance!

You're not first generation. I would be cautious of definitions saying that because your parent went to school in another country you're first generation. If I saw an applicant do that, I'd think he was desperate and wouldn't take his application seriously

 

[Troyzle]

I've got a similar weird situation. My father only has a high school degree. My mother has a college degree but she only got one when I was a junior in college myself. She decided to get a college degree when my sister went to college. Does that count as not being first gen? I know some colleges like UCLA consider aunts and uncles when labeling first gen, but I haven't read any story like this.

 

[Magus5454]

I've got a similar weird situation. My father only has a high school degree. My mother has a college degree but she only got one when I was a junior in college myself. She decided to get a college degree when my sister went to college. Does that count as not being first gen? I know some colleges like UCLA consider aunts and uncles when labeling first gen, but I haven't read any story like this.

I would say that works as first gen, just my opinion. You didnt have college educated parents growing up, which is why I would say OP is not first gen

 

[Dr.Barker&Mr.Scootches]

Wait, its only if your family completed a bach right? My mom never went to college (or at least never completed) but my dad was vocational, at least that's my assumption. Though not sure since he got his a while ago (and his job in particular might not have needed that kinda training)