5 College Application Tips
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Student Life

5 College Application Tips From One First Generation Student To Another

I did it and you can too!

Kirstin Ortiz
Dec 03, 2018
Temple University
142
5 College Application Tips From One First Generation Student To Another
Kirstin Ortiz

College was always in the plan for me. No one in my family had gone, besides my grandma later in life, and as one of the oldest grandchildren I was expected to be the first. I've always loved learning, so it was a logical expectation. Soon there I was, like many first gens before me, eager to get out of my small central Pennsylvanian town but next to no idea how to make it happen beyond filling out applications. Now I'm studying for my dream job at my dream school, and I promise to all my fellow first gens you can too. Here's a little wisdom to get you started.

1. Do your research.

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Research degree programs, schools, tuition, dining options…everything. Don't waste your time (and money) applying to a school until you are 100% sure you would be happy going there. If you're not sure what you want to do or where you want to go, there's no shame in taking some time off before going to school especially if the whole process is overwhelming for you. Plus, it gives you more time to save money before you go to school and trust me, that helps a lot.

2. Repeat after me: I will do my FAFSA as early as possible. 

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In my opinion, the FAFSA was one of the worst parts of the college application process. If your parents are able and willing to do it for you please thank them and maybe buy them coffee as a thank you, because it sucks. But odds are if they didn't go to college or have other kids in college they know as much as you do. And it's confusing. Gather all your tax information from the pass year, figure it out together and remember that the earlier you do it, the better your chances at receiving optimal financial aid. After the first year it's much easier because you have a better idea about how it works and a lot of your information transfers from year to year. You got this!

3. Find someone to read your applications and supplemental essays.

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This is so important. Find a trusted teacher, guidance counselor, family friend, etc. (preferably who has been through the college application process) and have them read your essays. If that's not possible at least have a friend read them. Many schools are now focusing more on the essay than test scores, you want to make sure your voice shines through in a professional way.

4. Practice for the SATs…I know it sucks but just do it. 

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Whether you use a free website like Khan Academy, take a class, or find an SAT prep book, it will make all the difference. The SAT is just as much about strategy as it is about knowledge and knowing said strategies will help big-time. It's a draining, all-encompassing test and you don't want to have to take it more than once (not to mention it's expensive).

5. Find the right scholarships.

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Most high schools post scholarships available through the community and the school itself, and these are your best bets for $$. Apply for as many of them as possible. Yes, there are millions of online scholarships but from experience, most of them have a pool of applications so large that it's barely worth it. If you want to take a crack at them, I recommend Scholly. It finds scholarships online tailored to your qualifications, prospective major, etc. which heightens your chances. If the scholarship requires a video, graphic, etc. take the extra time and do them, because not many people will and again your chances are better.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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