Preparing for College as a
First-Generation College Student
Brought to you by:
Office of Student Transitions
&
TRiO Student Support Services
• Work at least part-time
• Are less involved on campus
• Expect to live off-campus their first year
• Have less encouragement & support from family & friends
• Are less academically prepared
• Have lowered self-efficacy
All of these factors can lead to DROPPING OUT!
Source: Woosley, S., & Shepler, D. (2011) Understanding the Early Integration Experiences of First-Generation College Students. College
Student Journal, 45(4), 700-714.
• High school vs. College
– Increased academic rigor
– Responsibility & accountability
• Time management
– Plan ahead
– Prioritize assignments & activities
• Study skills
– “STEP YA GAME UP!”
• Majors: “STEM”
– Science, technology, engineering, &
mathematics
– Examples: biology, nursing, geosciences,
radiologic technology, etc.
• Courses:
– BIOL 2010/2011 (Anatomy &Physiology)
– MATH 1530 (Statistics)
• Know what you need
– 4-year plan; Undergraduate Bulletin
– Tutoring
– Supplemental Instruction
• Select courses based on your talents
• Managing finances
– Selecting cost-effective options (e.g.
residence hall & meal plan choices)
– Additional college expenses
– Determining needs vs. wants
• Financial aid
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Submit FAFSA early! JANURARY 1!!!
Apply for scholarships
Minimize student loan debt
Financial aid limits
Satisfactory Academic Progression (SAP)
• Most courses = 3 credit hours
– Most science labs = 1 credit hour
• Full-time student = 12 credit hours
– 4 courses (on average)
• Bachelor’s degree = 120 credit hours
– 4 year completion = 15 credit hours per
semester (with NO deviation)
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
– GPA ~ Be in good standing
– Pace ~ Earn 67% of attempted hours
• Home: Family & friends
– Educate & explain
– Set realistic expectations
– Know when to say when
• Create new circles
– Variety ~ peers, faculty, & staff
• Become involved
– Inside & outside of the classroom
• Conditional Admission
– APSU 1000 (MW 2:30-3:25)
– HIST 2020 (MWF 10:10-11:05)
– THEA 1030 (TR 8:00-9:25)
• Full Admission
– APSU 1000 (W 11:15-12:10)
– THEA 1030 (MWF 8:00-8:55)
– ENGL 1010 (MWF 9:05-10:00)
• TRiO Student Support Services
• Academic Support Center
• Adult & Non-Traditional Student Center
• Counseling Services
• Disability Services
• Hispanic Culture Center
• Military Student Center
• Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center
TRIO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
triosss@apsu.edu
931-221-6142
Ellington 337
STUDENT TRANSITIONS
transitions@apsu.edu
931-221-7607
University Center 210