Why is it harder for first generation college students?

Asked by: Presley Bins  |  Last update: December 23, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (68 votes)

Obstacles FGCS face include lack of college readiness, familial support, and financial stability.

Are first generation college students disadvantaged?

On the other hand, being a first-generation student has its difficulties, such as not knowing the process to apply for schools/financial aid, the pressure of succeeding and the disadvantages of not knowing what to expect. Not having a guide or someone to help you apply for school/financial aid can be a hardship.

Why do first generation college students drop out?

First generation students have always been plagued by problems with staying in college and earning degrees. These problems have recently been found to be caused by the financial problems and familial issues that are so severe for first generation students.

Why is the first year of college the hardest?

On top of the changes in one's location, living arrangement, social group, and other life variables, academic expectations become much more rigid. You're required to be more independent than ever before in school, and your grades are determined by fewer, bigger assignments and exams.

Is it easier to get into college as a first generation college student?

However, the definition of first generation can affect admissions and the amount of funding that a school receives or allocates for these students. While the community college system admits all students, the Cal State and UC systems are more selective.

First-Generation College Students, You Got this!

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Why is college so hard for first generation students?

Lack of Self-esteem, College Adjustment, and Family Support

Reasons for limited communication and interactions among peers and faculty include the absence of similar interests, experiences, and resources. These differences contribute to low levels of academic self-esteem and difficulty adjusting to the college setting.

Do colleges care if you are first generation?

Your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation all play a significant role in the admission process. A unique personal story or background, such as being a first-gen college student, can certainly help you stand out from other applicants, but it won't guarantee you admission.

What is the most stressful year of college?

The lion's share of this stress falls on students during their junior year. Junior year tends to be the year when a huge shift in a student's life tends to occur.

What year is the easiest in college?

For instance, students often find the first year a little easier because the courses might not be too advanced or specialized yet. This year is typically spent fulfilling general education requirements, providing a good grounding across a broad range of subjects, but not going too deep into any specific topic.

What is the toughest college year?

However, a general observation indicates that the difficulty depends mostly on the nature of your major and the path you're on. For many, the junior year can be quite challenging. It's often during this year that students take advanced-level courses in their majors, which can be rigorous.

What is the #1 reason students drop out of college?

The No. 1 reason students have thought about leaving school is due to financial challenges (30 percent), followed by motivation or life changes (24 percent) and mental health challenges (18 percent).

What does it feel like to be a first-generation college student?

I was excited to step into college, but what my parents didn't know was that fear, anxiety, and terror overshadowed my excitement. Being a first-generation college student meant that I was stepping into a new chapter of life with no familial guidance.

Is Gen Z going to college less?

The survey found that just 74% of Gen Z teens ages 13-17 have their sights set on college after high school, which is 11 points lower than the percentage of millennials who said the same when they were in high school 20 years ago.

What is the disadvantage of first generation?

Here are some of the disadvantages of first generation: They consumed high amounts of energy/electricity. They were not portable due to their weight and size. They were slow due to their use of inefficient vacuum tube technology.

What are the disadvantages of being an older college student?

They may find it difficult to pay out of pocket for their own college education. Financial aid is available, but it's often not enough to cover the entire cost. It's also stressful to attend college when you have other commitments like work, parenting, and caring for elderly parents.

What is one barrier to learning for the typical freshman college student?

Under-Preparation

This is one of the major barriers to overcome. When students procrastinate about what they're going to do after graduating from high school or are uninformed about their options, their under-preparation sets them back.

What is the fastest degree to make the most money?

Top 15 Quick Degrees That Pay Well
  • Business Administration.
  • Communications.
  • Criminal Justice.
  • English.
  • Finance.
  • Healthcare Administration.
  • History.
  • Human Resources.

Is 70 too old for college?

College doesn't have age limits, and it's okay to go back to school at any age, even 70. There may be many good reasons for getting your degree or taking classes as an older adult.

What is the toughest school year?

Junior year is often considered the most challenging due to a heavy course load and the pressure of preparing for college.

Which degree is the most stressful?

10 degrees that lead to the most stressful jobs:
  • Bachelor of Surgery. Medicine is well-known as one of the, if not the hardest degree in the world. ...
  • Bachelor 0f Nursing. ...
  • Bachelor of Culinary Arts. ...
  • Bachelor of Economics. ...
  • Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. ...
  • Bachelor of Law. ...
  • Bachelor in Finance. ...
  • Bachelor in Aviation.

What is one of the hardest colleges to get into?

The Harvard acceptance rate is 3%, tied with Caltech for the #1 spot on our list of hardest colleges to get into. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a quintessential New England school globally recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential alumni.

Is a sophomore slump real?

Research suggests that during the sophomore year, you may experience a period of confusion and uncertainty. There is a whole new set of stressors sophomores experience when they return to college. Unlike freshmen, sophomores receive less attention about college life and expectations about how things work.

What do first generation college students struggle with?

Emotional and psychological struggles are common among first-generation college students, with imposter syndrome and low self-esteem being prevalent challenges. Imposter syndrome is the feeling of not belonging or not being as capable as their peers, which can lead to self-doubt and anxiety.

Am I first generation if my grandma went to college?

Am I a first-gen student if other members of my family (step-parents, siblings, grandparents) went to college before me? Yes. Being a first-gen student means that your parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, regardless of other family member's level of education.

Does Harvard like first generation students?

FYRE, a pre-orientation program for incoming first-year students, aims to provide first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented first-year students with the resources and community to feel supported, celebrated, and ready to take ownership of your Harvard experience.