FAQs For First Generation College Students

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

Although different colleges and universities have their own assorted definitions for first generation college students (FGCS), the term typically describes an individual who is the first in the family of origin (father, mother, brothers and/or sisters) to attain a college education.

First generation college students may face distinctive challenges that do not have nearly as much of an effect on schoolmates whose parents and/or siblings have a history of college attendance. For instance, the FGCS must traverse the higher education bureaucracy without the guidance of family members who would be able to recall firsthand college experiences, offer explanations and give personal advice. According to Parks (2010), students may begin their college experience with little or no knowledge of the expectations, resources, or jargon associated with a college campus.

I was a first generation college student who lacked knowledge regarding the basics of the higher education process. Initially, I felt alienated and overwhelmed by the process and my learning curve was very steep compared to others. Here are some questions that many of my FGCS classmates and I had.

What is a college credit? What does it represent?

According to Ask.com, "a college credit hour is the basic unit of measure in determining college credit where upon graduation, one is supposed to have covered a certain number of hours. They are what the school looks at to determine whether a selected course has been completed." The majority of schools offer semester credit hours, but some colleges and universities offer quarter credit hours.

How many hours a day do I spend in college?

In high school, most full-time students spend all day in classes. However, in college you will average two or three hours in class per day. If you are enrolled in 15 semester hours of classes, you will spend 15 hours in classes per week. Also, you might not need to attend every day, depending on your schedule. For example, if all of your courses are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, you do not need to come to campus on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

How many credits do I need to receive a degree?

The typical associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) degree requires completion of a minimum of 60 semester credit hours at most colleges. Some specialized degrees, such as the associate of applied science degree in nursing (AAS), may require you to earn up to 72 semester credit hours.

Most baccalaureate degrees, such as the bachelor or arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS), require completion of at least 120 semester credit hours. Specialized degrees such as the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), may require completion of up to 128 semester credit hours at some universities.

My declared major is nursing. Why do I need to take classes in subjects such as English, math, science, psychology, and history?

open-book-exam.jpg.0efbb2633517467c3a6b547ea3a9ab67.jpg College students are required to take classes in a variety of subjects. This group of classes, better known as 'general education' or 'core curriculum coursework,' is usually completed prior to enrollment in nursing courses, although some schools allow students to take these courses as co-requisites. General education coursework facilitates the introduction of new ideas and helps the student acquire a wide breadth of knowledge in multiple topics, gain intellectual skills, cultivate an expanded worldview, and understand others' points of view.

In a nutshell, general education basically assists in crafting a well-rounded academic experience. You're probably thinking, "These courses are a waste of time because I want to study nursing!" Be cognizant that nurses use written English, math, science and a little bit of psychology in their line of work. In addition, I have had the honor of caring for patients who were veterans of foreign wars, so my US History coursework prepared me for educated conversations with them.

What is the point of tests such as the SAT, ACT, Accuplacer, TEAS, NET, HESI, etc.?

The SAT, ACT, Accuplacer and other collegiate pre-entrance exams help assess the student's knowledge base in reading comprehension, writing and math prior to enrollment in college coursework. Essentially, these tests assess the student's readiness for college-level coursework. Unfortunately, not all schools deliver equally effective education. So even though you earned a 4.0 grade point average in high school, the results of pre-entrance testing may determine that you would benefit from remedial (a.k.a.) developmental courses in elementary and intermediate algebra because you achieved a low score on the math section of the exam. Also, nontraditional adult learners who have been out of school for several years may or may not have forgotten basic skills.

Pre-entrance tests such as the TEAS, NET and HESI are conduits that help directors of nursing programs assess prospective students for essential academic skills. Statistically, students with higher scores are likely to be successful in a nursing program because they have mastered essential skills in reading, math and science.

I'm struggling in my courses. What do I do?

In the college setting, instructors and professors expect students to make the first move if you need help. Learn to approach these professors during office hours. Assistance is available, but you must find it because it will not find you. Utilize resources on campus such as tutoring centers, academic advisors, reading and math labs, and so forth.

How do I find out which books I will need?

If you are taking face-to-face courses, visit the campus bookstore and they direct you to the correct books for the courses you are taking. If you are taking online courses, the instructors should maintain an online syllabus with a list of books and materials you will need.

What are the requirements to earn a nursing degree?

The requirements vary greatly from institution to institution. Your school's nursing program should have a website with the requirements and deadlines listed. If you need further clarification, schedule an appointment with an academic advisor because they are paid to advise students.