First-generation students come from families where neither parent or guardian has a four-year degree from a college or university. Students whose parents received degrees from outside the United States typically identify as first-generation.
Here are resources and tips you can use while researching and preparing for college as a first-generation prospective student.
Here are some tips to get you started!
Review the UW Admissions First Generation Student Welcome page to learn more about common topics students are curious about and getting acquainted at UW.
UW Admissions is also your first point of contact while you are preparing to apply. When in doubt, review resources from UW Admissions or get in contact with your Admissions Counselor.
The Parent and Family Guide is excellent for the whole family to review resources available to students at the UW. You can also use it to help you and your parents and family support you while you navigate the university. The guide is available to download in several languages.
If you are a prospective transfer student, you may also wish to connect with advisers and academic departments during Transfer Thursday.
Q: Where should I go for more information about the University of Washington as a high school student?
A: The Office of Admissions is an excellent place to start to learn about admissions information, campus life, costs and financial aid, and how you can find and create community at the University of Washington. You can also find out how to contact your Admissions Counselor if you have more to ask after exploring the online resources.
If you're interested in visiting the University of Washington or taking a tour, you can find information about campus tours.
Q: How do students find and create communities on campus?
A: Students find and form communities in many different places on campus. Here are some examples:
These are just a few examples of where students find others and create community!
Q: What can I study at UW?
A: The full list of undergraduate majors can help give you an idea of the wide variety of options for pathways of study. You will also take several classes for your Areas of Inquiry as part of your General Education Requirements and have access to academic advisors and other academic resources to help you explore different options.
Q: How can I share information about the University of Washington with my parents or family members?
A: The Parent and Family Guide is a great place to begin conversations with your parents and family about the University of Washington, different resources and communities, and information about admissions, cost & financial aid, and more.
Professor Emeritus of Accounting
Degrees earnedPhD Stanford University (1974), BA Stanford University (1970), BSEE University of Illinois (1964)
What Being First Generation MeansEverything. Neither of my parents completed high school. Their lives were hard and they had virtually no options for ways to improve their lives. Education opened doors for me all my life.
Advice to current studentsHave a plan for how to proceed and stay focused. There will be ups and downs, but if you stay focused, work hard, and seek help when you need it, you will succeed. Also, think hard about what you want to pursue. I think it is important to pursue your dreams and passions, not the dreams of others. You will greatly increase your changes of success when you are studying something you are passionate about.
