With summer upon us, many high school students often begin their college research time during this time. Reflecting on my own college search, applying to college was a complicated process for me. As a first-generation college applicant, the process brought about so much anxiety. My parents, not having attended college or grown up in the U.S, tried their best to support me using their limited knowledge of higher education. However, much of their help only eased my emotional worries, not my academic worries and frustrations about college research.  

Going into the research process, I often felt pretty anxious. My status as a first generation student seemed negative in my mind; this weighed me down early on in the process. My first few college visits felt emotionally draining. College seemed like such a distant reality to me at the time. I felt unheard and unwanted among applicants who had parents who often came from the schools I visited or was interested in. Compared to those applicants, I often felt unprepared for the college process. The world of higher education seemed like it was not open for students like me. 

Near the beginning of my sophomore year, I looked at schools closer to home. Having grown up in Chicago, I decided to attend my first official visit to Northwestern. Northwestern really opened up my eyes as a rising junior to exactly what it meant to be first generation. On my first visit, I spoke with a current student at the Segal Visitors Center that was first generation like I was. Speaking with her made me feel like for the first time, I could succeed in higher education. For the first time, higher education seemed possible. I no longer felt that being first gen was bad. This face to face communication that admissions office fosters for prospective students through campus tours and info sessions made me realize what I wanted from an academic and campus environment. It just so happened that I found all those positive attributes here at Northwestern.

Admissions staff at Northwestern served as an incredible resource. They helped not only ease my worries but those of my family. I spent much of my junior year using the accessible resources offered at Northwestern to keep online contact with an Assistant Director of Admission. Being able to ask someone who is actually on campus daily about what campus life is ACTUALLY like really helped during my college search. Questions like, “Is diversity noticeable on campus?” are questions you can’t often find personal answers to online or in college mail. This contact at the University served as a beneficial resource to further figure out what a Northwestern education could offer me.

Following the Northwestern admissions page on social media and speaking to current students online through emails or social media, I realized that Northwestern cares for student like me. Campus tours and visits showed me that higher education doesn’t have to be so nerve racking. The college search process was extremely anxious for me. Yet, this doesn’t have to be the narrative for everyone. Schools like Northwestern have the resources to ease your anxiety. 

Looking back, Northwestern gives first-generation students the tools to succeed during the application process and be on an even playing field with anyone in higher education. With 13.3% (and rising!) of first years being from first-gen backgrounds, Northwestern gives students from all backgrounds a seat in higher education. Once we’re here, they continue to support first-gen students through initiatives and offices like Student Enrichment Services.

As a first-generation student, I know that struggles come about not only for you, but for your family as well. Nonetheless, first-gen students are just as capable of going through the process and succeeding as anyone else; everyone deserves the opportunity to access higher education. Reaching out when needed and getting to know Northwestern really benefited me come senior year when I applied. Being willing to ask for help when I felt lost is one of the reasons that landed me where I am today. Best of luck!

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