I Was a High-Achieving First-Generation College Student: Let's Talk About That!

• In Event: Interrogating the Experiences of Understudied Student Populations

Abstract

According to the most recent 2015-16 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, 56% of undergraduates nationally were first-generation college students (FGCS). While FGCS represent a significant proportion of the undergraduate population they do not graduate at the same rates as their counterparts. Scholars have found poorer academic preparation, lower socioeconomic status, and lower social and cultural capital to impact FGCS academic success (Bui, 2002; Choy, 2001; McCarron & Inkelas, 2006; Terenzini et al., 1996; Warburton et al., 2001). This study seeks challenge deficit thinking scholarship by understanding historically marginalized, high-achieving, low-income FGCS. Results showed significant difference in extracurricular involvement and no significant difference in time taken to complete an undergraduate degree, amount of student loan borrowed, mentorship experience, and faculty support.

Author

• Reena Viswanath, University of West Georgia
  Presenting Author