First Generation Students

First Generation college students may face even more challenges, including:
lack of family financial support (especially if family has other compelling financial needs), heightened pressures to succeed if the family is sacrificing to send the student to college. Parents who have not been to college may not be able to help their student navigate such tasks as the financial aid process, from FAFSA to projects to finals, lack of understanding of the more intense level of academic competition.

The family may have invested many of their own deferred hopes and dreams for educational achievement that the student feels and overwhelmed by the need to achieve for the entire family. Additionally, the student can feel out of synch with family and friends when going home on vacations. Student Counseling works close with the Student Support Services Program to provide the additional resources you need to succeed and thrive at Iowa State University.

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