<p>So I was just wondering if Columbia would consider me a first Generation. My mom will barely be getting her first degree this spring, my biological dad’s not in the picture.</p>
<p>did your father receive a degree? supposing he didn’t…i’d say probably.</p>
<p>there are three variations i have read on what a first generation student is.
- parents never went to any postsecondary school - not even comm college.
- parents might have gone to comm college - before or after you were born, but never for a 4 year degree. they may have attended school even at some point, but never completed a 4 year degree (e.g. Bill Gates)
- at time of birth your parents were without degree, they didn’t receive a degree (2 or 4) until after your birth</p>
<p>i can’t say i know which interpretation columbia takes. though i think columbia is more flexible than the rigid first definition. and of course there are other things they look into - it isn’t just merely the fact that parents didn’t go to college, there are many folks that never went to college, but are wealthy/resourced and thus cannot be considered in the same vain as someone whose parents didn’t go to college because of socioeconomic forces.</p>
<p>Yah, my mom was a drafter before going to be a teacher, so its not like she’s some business guru. Oh, that would be great if they considered me first generation…</p>
<p>Anyone else know?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry about it - it’s really not something that will make or break anyone’s application. I am single and raised my D alone from day 1 and never attended college. But…that’s not going to improve her GPA, ya know?</p>