Parents have foreign & unaccredited college work; can I still apply as 1st generation student?

My parents are Cuban. While in Cuba, my father got a bachelor’s degree (metallurgic engineering); my mother did some college work but didn’t finish or get any degree/certification. However, my father’s degree is not accredited in the U.S.
For many college applications and even ACT registration, I’m asked about my parents’ education. Do I have to put their education down? Or can I apply as a first generation student?
Thanks.

[url=<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/741641-what-does-first-generation-college-student-mean-p1.html%5DThis%5B/url”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/741641-what-does-first-generation-college-student-mean-p1.html]This[/url] CC thread might help; I don’t know the answer myself. It does not hurt to call admissions in the colleges you are interested in and ask.

You can’t lie about how much education they have, if that’s what you’re saying.

Are you really asking whether it’s ok to lie on your application? You are asked about your parents’ education–answer the question.

There is no question, at least on the Common App, that says, “Are you first gen? Y/N” You fill out you parents’ education and colleges will use that info (or not use it) as it sees fit. Omitting your parents’ education will not be looked upon kindly by admissions.