First Generation Students Essay

Research indicates that students whose parents did not attend college are more likely than their non-first-generation counterparts to be less academically prepared for college, to have less knowledge of how to apply for college and for financial assistance, and to have more difficulty in adapting themselves to college once they enroll. They are also more at risk for not completing a degree because they are more likely to delay enrollment after high school, to enroll in postsecondary education part-time, and to work full-time while enrolled. (Hurtado & Carter, 1997; Pasacrella & Terenzini, 1991; Tinto, 19931), First-generation students, may lack the cultural and social capital, which may account for the difficulties they face in academia (Perna, 2000). Targeted intervention efforts that reach out to first-generation students both before and during college can help alleviate the barriers and challenges first-generation students face and help colleges reach their goal of recruiting and retaining all students.

Academic Barriers Research has shown that low-income and first generation students are less likely to be engaged in the academic and social experiences that foster success in college, such as studying in groups, interacting with faculty and other students, participating in extracurricular activities, and using support

Social support can be defined as both real and perceived support from the community, social networks and close friends, whether it is instrumental or emotional support (Hombrados, Gómez, Domínguez, García and Castro, 2012). Lack of peer support was also said to be a reason as to why students GPA’s are low (Dennis, Phinney &Chuateco 2005). Furthermore, college students are known to experience massive amounts of stress which can cause them to be unsuccessful their first