But No One in My Family Has Been to College

Being the first is not easy. As a first-generation college student, you face uncharted territory. Forging ahead takes courage and determination. Here are some tips to help you.

• Look for outreach programs that can provide tutoring, counseling and mentoring services to help you prepare for college. These programs can start as early as middle school. Find people who can help you go where you want to go. Ask your school counselor or look for programs at local colleges.
• Tap into your community resources and find other trailblazers — those who were the first ones in their families to get a college degree. Find out how they did it and ask for advice.
• If you're ready to apply to college, follow the application instructions carefully. Make sure you send in all the required forms on time.
• If you've already taken the huge step of applying for both college admission and financial aid, when your financial aid award arrives find out what types of aid you're getting and what your responsibilities are. Know the difference between aid you don't have to pay back, like grants, scholarships and work-study, and aid that you do, like student loans.
• Ask questions. Your school counselor can help.
• Ask your parents for encouragement. Tell them to visit a U.S. Department of Education Web site that tells parents how to prepare their children for college.
• Find an adult mentor.
• Don't be afraid to dream. Then translate that wish into a plan of action.
• Stay away from people who tell you you can't do it and statistics that prove how impossible it will be. People who don't believe in you don't see the ambition and determination you have. Statistics only show you what has happened in the past — they have nothing to do with your future.
• Stick with people who believe in you and your future. Make friends with others who are the first people in their families who plan to go to college.

Can Anyone Afford to Go to College?

Don't let finances stand in the way of going to college. You have options. You might qualify for grants, scholarships and other free money. You can work. And you can take out student loans. Visit our paying for college section for more information.