| Applying to colleges can be pretty intimidating for any | | | | You need to get an idea of what feels right to you - |
| student, let alone if you're the first person in your family | | | | big or small, public or private, far from home or local. |
| to attend college. After all, you don't have the | | | | Many students say a visit to campus is the pivotal |
| first-hand experience of your family to help ease your | | | | moment when choosing a college. |
| mind about the entire process of getting ready for and | | | | Involve Your Family. They are as excited and nervous |
| applying to college. But, don't let anxiety over the | | | | as you are and want to be involved in your college |
| college admissions process dampen your pride and | | | | search. Once you arrive on campus they'll be an |
| excitement about heading off to school. | | | | indispensable source of support as you adjust to the |
| Just because you're less familiar with the process | | | | challenges of college life. Get your family involved, |
| doesn't mean your college search shouldn't go | | | | whether it's visiting campuses with you, helping fill out |
| smoothly. Here are a few key pieces of advice to help | | | | financial aid paperwork, or giving your application one |
| you out along the way. | | | | last proofreading. The more involved they are, the |
| Start Early. As a first-generation student, you have | | | | more they'll feel a part of your decision - and the more |
| more of a learning curve when it comes to planning for | | | | supportive they'll be in the long run. |
| college. Start thinking about college early in high school | | | | Don't Sell Yourself Short. Education scholarships are |
| to make sure you're on track when it comes to taking | | | | not the only source of college financing. Merit aid |
| the right classes and getting involved in extracurricular | | | | programs are available for first-generation students. |
| activities. You will be glad you did when you start | | | | You could get thousands of dollars in financial aid just |
| completing those applications and applying for college | | | | by being a first-generation student. Many colleges and |
| scholarships. | | | | states offer merit aid programs, and with these |
| Meet With Your High School Counselor. | | | | programs any college may be in your reach. To get |
| First-generation students and their families usually aren't | | | | financial aid you'll need to fill out the FAFSA, Free |
| as familiar with the college admissions process. Your | | | | Application for Federal Student Aid. For info on that |
| guidance counselor can help you with the ins and outs | | | | form, visit fafsa.ed.gov. To see which merit aid |
| of your college search, making sure you hit important | | | | programs you might be eligible for, visit |
| milestones and deadlines such as taking the SAT or | | | | Remember, College is New For Every Freshman. One |
| ACT. And your counselor will be invaluable in finding | | | | of the most important things to keep in mind as a |
| available scholarships and financial aid. | | | | first-generation student is that college is a brand new |
| Visit Campuses. As a first-generation student, it is | | | | experience for every freshman. Once you arrive on |
| unlikely that you have spent much time on a college | | | | campus the playing field levels - everyone is in the |
| campus. Glossy college brochures and in-depth Web | | | | same boat as they adjust to a new environment, new |
| sites can paint a pretty good picture, but nothing beats | | | | schedule, new friends and a new way of life. It's an |
| being there. Even if you have received an education | | | | exciting adventure, and that's what the college |
| scholarship to a college, or been promised financial aid, | | | | experience is all about. |
| go see the campus before making a final decision. | | | | |