FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS

You are a trailblazer who seeks higher levels of education than your parents and grandparents, and in doing so, you push the boundaries of education further than anyone else in your family.

DID YOU KNOW?

23% of our undergraduate students (across all six campuses) are first generation.

A Guide for First-Generation Students

Make this site your go-to destination for information that will take you from exploring schools to succeeding in your first year as a new college student. You can gather insight and find helpful tips and stories from other first-generation students just like you. Take your time and return frequently. You can rely on this guide to provide you with information through your journey into higher education.

WE WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH YOUR ENTIRE JOURNEY INTO HIGHER EDUCATION.

What Type of Applicant Are You?

Rolling Admission

Unlike many colleges that employ early-decision and early-action deadlines, Georgia State admits students on a rolling basis. That means you can apply as early as you’d like, and we’ll let you know whether or not you’ve been admitted as soon as we’ve processed your application and files. See the First-Year Admission Timeline. *Note: There is a Nov. 15 deadline for priority consideration for the Honors College and scholarships.

Conditional Acceptance

Some colleges and universities admit students on a conditional basis. This means that there are tasks or programs that you need to complete to be fully admitted into the school. Georgia State has two great programs that help our students adjust to college-level academics. Once students successfully complete their programs, they’re in for good!

Conditional acceptance is a real admission decision. It means a school believes in you and your potential.

High School

You’ve never been enrolled in a college or university, with the exception of dual enrollment through your high school. You’ve completed fewer than 30 credit hours of college coursework at any institution.

Transfer

You’re enrolled at another college or university but are looking to change schools. You have already completed at least 30 credit hours of college coursework.

Nontraditional

You haven’t been in school in a while and would like to return. It’s been more than five years since you attended high school or completed your last college courses without earning a degree.

Postbaccalaureate

You have already earned a bachelor’s degree but are interested in taking classes without seeking a degree.

None of these? See more applicant types

Transient

You are enrolled at another college or university but would like to take a few classes elsewhere for credit toward your degree at your home institution.

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college classes. These students may earn credit toward their high school program and/or college.

Home-Schooled

You have completed a home study program. If you are applying as a first-year student, you will need to provide information about your home study and show that you have completed the courses outlined in the Required High School Curriculum.

Senior

Most institutions offer special programs for individuals over the age of 62 who are looking to take classes or earn a degree.

Swipe to see more applicant types

High School

Transfer

You’re enrolled at another college or university but are looking to change schools. You have already completed at least 30 credit hours of college coursework.

Nontraditional

You haven’t been in school in a while and would like to return. It’s been more than five years since you attended high school or completed your last college courses without earning a degree.

Postbaccalaureate

You have already earned a bachelor’s degree but are interested in taking classes without seeking a degree.

Transient

You are enrolled at another college or university but would like to take a few classes elsewhere for credit toward your degree at your home institution.

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college classes. These students may earn credit toward their high school program and/or college.

Home-Schooled

Senior

Most institutions offer special programs for individuals over the age of 62 who are looking to take classes or earn a degree.

STEFFANEY IRAHETA GUARDADO

Being the first in my family to attend a higher education institute has taught me how to be selfless and headstrong. Growing up in lower-income communities pushed me to pursue a career to serve the communities that raised me and serve as a voice for the voiceless due to circumstance or fear.

Being first generation pushes you to see the world through a different lens and go through some of the toughest experiences. It gives you a thicker skin. The adversity I faced by being a first-generation college student made me fearless, proud and humble.

STEFFANEY IRAHETA GUARDADO

Steps to Prepare for College

Your journey into college will be full of milestones and tasks. We’ve provided a timeline to help keep you on track, beginning in your first year of high school and taking you all the way through your first year of college.

First-Year High School Student

Meet with your guidance counselor and express your higher education goals.
Explore academic interests.
Learn about different career fields.
Get involved in clubs and organizations.
Learn about AP and Honors classes.
Know what common core credits you will need to graduate and plan your curriculum accordingly.

High School Sophomore

Monitor your grades and keep them as high as possible.
Learn about the practice PSAT.
Take a PLAN assessment to help you evaluate your career interests.
Find mentorship.
Continue to try new activities and take classes that challenge you.
Begin conversations about your education goals and budget with your family.
Research opportunities for dual enrollment through nearby universities.
Learn about state-specific merit scholarships from your guidance counselor.

High School Junior

Find test prep books and study guides online, from a guidance counselor or at your local library.
Take the PSAT if you want a trial run before official testing.
Attend local college fairs and gather information about schools that suit you.
Schedule your ACT and/or SAT testing and set up a study schedule.
Create a Bookmarks folder on your Web browser with links to your favorite college websites.
Talk to your parents about a small savings for next year’s application fees.
Continue to keep your grades as high as possible.

High School Senior

Reschedule testing if you want to achieve higher scores.
Maintain your GPA for great scholarship standing.
Visit your top choices for college.
Speak with admissions counselors at your top schools.
Fill out the FAFSA.
Search and apply for scholarships.
Apply to your top choice schools.
Strive for savings that will help you with college expenses not covered by financial aid.
Make a calendar with important dates and deadlines for applications and scholarships

Summer before Fall Semester

Attend first-year New Student Orientation
Work at your summer job for personal savings.
Visit the community around your college or university with your family.
Search for part-time jobs around school.
Meet your academic adviser to talk about your first semester’s classes and graduation trajectory.
Think about transportation to and from home, work and school.
Make choices about housing.

First-Year College Student

Search for a sense of community through academics, friends or involvement in organizations.
Concentrate on academic interests that will lead you to the right major.
Talk with your school’s career service center about internships or co-ops.
Focus on time management and balance.