Arcadia University Shares Tips for First-Generation Students Applying to College

GLENSIDE, Pa., Feb. 26, 2025 -- Dr. Donavan McCargo, Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students at Arcadia University, knows firsthand the challenges of applying to and succeeding in college as a first-generation student. More than one out of five students at Arcadia – and many faculty and staff, including "Dr. Don" – are among the first generation in their families to earn a four-year college degree.

Here are Dr. McCargo's tips for first-generation students during their college search:

1. Seek out programs or organizations specifically for first-gen students.
   For instance, Arcadia is among the schools with a chapter of Tri-Alpha, a national honors society for first-generation college students.
   
   
2. Ask questions about academic and community support.
   Look for a welcoming community and a robust assortment of people and places you can turn to to help you thrive in and out of the classroom.
   
   
3. Meet with and establish a relationship with a financial aid counselor.
   FAFSA? Subsidized vs. unsubsidized? They can explain it all. If you don't understand, keep asking questions!
   
   
4. Attend a summer bridge program.
   Research suggests that an early start to the rigors of college provided by Arcadia's Gateway Summer Bridge Program and others like it has lasting benefits for first-gen students.
   
   
5. Consider the vibrancy of campus life.
   Look for a community that fosters connections and fuels passions in fun, exciting, and supportive ways.
   
   
6. Ask about student employment opportunities.
   The earlier a first-gen student lands a position that captures their passions, the quicker they start building a sense of belonging. Arcadia's Office of Career Education has an online community specifically for first-gen students.
   
   
7. Ask about student outcomes.
   How successful are alumni following graduation? 95% of Arcadia's undergraduate class of 2023 secured professional opportunities within nine months of graduation. The University was recognized by U.S. News & World as a Top Performer in Social Mobility.
   
   
8. Think about studying abroad.
   There are countless benefits, so scope out schools with renowned global education programs (Arcadia is #1 in the U.S. for study abroad).
   
   
9. Highlight your first-gen status rather than hiding it.
   Choose a school where you will be celebrated and feel at home.
   
   
10. Find a mentor.
    "While being a first-generation student can be hard, there are people that want to help you and see you succeed," Dr. McCargo says. "Take advantage of that and make your college career the best it can be."

SOURCE Arcadia University