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 Source: Woosley, S., & Shepler, D. (2011) Understanding the Early Integration Experiences of First-Generation College Students. College Student Journal, 45(4), All of these factors can lead to DROPPING OUT!

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 –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

TR I O S TUDENT S UPPORT S ERVICES Ellington 337 S TUDENT T RANSITIONS University Center 210