First generation student advising is needed to avoid costly mistakes
What is the difference between a BS and a BA? What is the difference between an associates, bachelors, graduate, and doctorate degree? What is the difference between a college and a university, and what is lost and gained by going to a community college before a university? These are examples of questions students may have that a first-generation student might not be able to get the answers to. What’s especially dangerous is the saying, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” In this case, this means students might not even know what questions they should be asking. UNLV (the University of Nevada Las Vegas) in Las Vegas, Nevada is known for having a large number of first-generation students. It has award-winning clubs and additional resources for first-generation students, and recently celebrated a new Vice President who is a first generation college student.
Not every university is set to accommodate first-generation students like UNLV, but these students still need help. This could come from an admissions advisor who can help guide on the processes to graduate with a degree and avoid costly mistakes. First generation college and university students might be at a disadvantage to their peers. This is because many do not have a mentor – someone they could turn to with questions about choosing a major, finding the right school, or even the first steps in studying.
