Parental Guidance Suggested: Helping Your First-Generation Student Apply to College
Parents: supporting your student through the college application process and the college experience itself can feel overwhelming. As a first-generation college student myself, I know firsthand that many parents do the best they can with the information they have. For first-generation students, applying to college is just one step in a much broader journey — and your support can make all the difference along the way.
There are several stages in this process leading up to leaving for college. Below is a general timeline, along with helpful terminology and guidance designed to support parents as they navigate this experience alongside their first-generation students.
Phase 1: Preparing Academically
As your student navigates high school, encourage them to challenge themselves academically and perform to their full potential. If you are unable to meet regularly with your student’s counselor, empower your student to seek support independently and make use of the resources available to them.
Examples of what this can look like at school include:
Visiting the College Center or meeting with a College Counselor.
Having conversations about which courses they find engaging, and encouraging enrollment in classes that offer appropriate academic challenge.
Encouraging connection to the school and broader community through clubs, volunteering and extracurricular activities.
This also includes experiences that may not look traditional, such as working to support the family, caring for siblings or taking on additional responsibilities due to financial constraints. These experiences build time management, leadership, and resilience-- qualities that colleges value.
Equally important is helping students build healthy school habits, such as:
Seeking academic support when they are struggling.
Learning to advocate for themselves.
Recognizing when to ask for help and who to ask.
We highlight these activities because, as students begin exploring college options, it helps to already know where to turn when questions arise. Sometimes parents may not be able to provide direct support, and empowering students to seek out support systems is hugely important.
Phase 2: Understanding College Applications and Financial Aid
As first-generation students transition from high school to college, there are several components of the application process that families should be aware of.
College Applications
Depending on the type of institution your student is applying to, there are different application platforms. These may include:
The Common Application (Common App)
The Common Black College Application
State or system-specific platforms such as SUNY, UC Portal, or CSU Portal
Each platform has its own requirements and application deadlines, which are often firm.
Application Fees, Fee Waivers, and Deadlines
If application fees present a financial barrier, many colleges or application platforms offer fee waivers. Students can often access these through their high school counselor or directly through the application platform.
Understanding Financial Aid and Support:
Applying to college and applying for financial aid are related—but separate—processes. Depending on the institution, students may be required to submit one or more of the following:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile), used by many private colleges
State-specific financial aid applications, such as the California Dream Act or New York Dream Act
Submitting these forms before institutional deadlines allows families to receive financial aid information early and make more informed decisions.
Deadlines are a critical part of this process. Supporting your student may look like helping them prepare in advance by keeping important materials accessible, such as tax documents, Social Security numbers or other identifying information. Many colleges also communicate through student portals, where students can track application status, missing items and next steps.
FAFSA provides a helpful preparation checklist here:
https://studentaid.gov/articles/things-you-need-for-fafsa/
Once admitted, students will receive what may be referred to as an award letter, financial aid package or financial aid offer. These documents can include a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study and student loans. If your student does not understand their offer or what each component means, they should contact the college directly and schedule a conversation with a financial aid officer. Asking questions is expected and encouraged.
Phase 3: Post Applications
Campus Life and Resources for the Transition:
Almost all postsecondary institutions (community colleges, four-year colleges and universities) offer a wide range of academic, personal and post-graduation resources. Encourage your student to research student support services, first-generation programs, tutoring centers and career services at schools they are considering.
Once enrolled, remind them to take advantage of these resources early. Students pay many of these services through tuition and student fees--and using them is a sign of engagement, not weakness.
Housing is another area with important deadlines. Applications, deposits and room selection often occur through a student’s online portal. If questions arise, students should usually contact the housing office directly. Websites can be confusing, and reaching out for clarification is always appropriate.
Once students arrive at their school of choice, ongoing support continues to matter. College represents one of the biggest transitions many students will experience. Some may feel immediately confident, while others may take time to adjust. Both are completely normal!
Check in with your first-generation students not only about classes and grades, but also about their experience beyond the classroom. Did they join a club? Discover a favorite study spot? Find the best--or worst--place to eat on campus?
These conversations help first-generation students feel grounded and remind them that, while they are becoming more independent, they are not navigating this journey alone.
I hope this helps provide some insight into what this journey may or may not look like.
Written by: Rosa Garcia Rios, Assistant Director – Office of Admission