08/01/2026

Supporting First-Generation College-Bound Students: The Role of the School Counselor

By Philip S. Benowitz

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Maria is an honors student who wants to attend college but is unsure where to begin. Despite her strong academic record, she wonders if she even belongs. Understanding her interest in college and her family background, Maria’s high school counselor contacts her with an offer to meet to discuss her goals and apprehensions.

Maria’s story is common for first-generation college-bound students. Compared with peers from college-going families, they are less likely to apply, less prepared for the process, and face greater challenges once enrolled. School counselors must understand these challenges to effectively support these students through the college planning, admissions, and transition processes.

Who Are First-Generation College-Bound Students?

First-generation college-bound students come from families without college-going traditions. They represent 40 to 50% of US college students and are more likely to be older, female, and Black or Latino. Many come from low-income backgrounds and are often responsible for supporting family members or caring for dependent children. These demographic characteristics are often associated with lower rates of college access and degree attainment (Denon, 2020). Not surprisingly, only 47% of students whose families lack a college-going tradition enroll in a postsecondary institution, compared with 85% of students whose families have such a tradition (Engle, 2007).

Critical Needs

First-generation college-bound students need help navigating the complex academic, social, and cultural transitions of college life, especially during their first year when dropout risk is highest. Students whose families have college-going traditions are more than twice as likely to complete a college degree (Doane, n.d.).

College-bound students should be prepared to interact with faculty and academic advisors, socialize outside of class, and participate in extracurricular activities, experiences that are associated with college success (Engle, 2007). First-generation college-bound students, however, are often unable to take advantage of these opportunities because they spend much of their free time working to support themselves and, in many cases, their families.

First-generation college-bound students are often challenged to successfully navigate two different worlds – their families/communities and their college campuses (Engle, 2007). Some even feel guilty because of the opportunities available to them but not their families. As shared by an 18-year-old first generation college student in an article in Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, “I’ve always experienced [guilt], not only in college but in high school as well. My mother didn’t even finish high school and I’m the only one in my family to finish high school as well as go onto college. It’s been difficult because there have been many times when I have no one to relate to what I’m going through” (Covarrubias & Fryberg, 2015, p. 420).

Finally, mental health care is a significant need for many first-generation college students where they experience higher levels of depression and imposter syndrome (Troy, n.d.). This can lead to risk avoidance, reduced class participation, and diminished self-confidence, all of which have potentially negative academic and social implications (BestColleges Staff Writers, 2021).

How School Counselors Can Help

To address these needs, school counselors can provide targeted support in six key areas:

  1. Start Early. High school counselors should identify first generation students who may have college aspirations when they are freshmen or sophomores and engage those students and families so they start considering college as an option.
  2. Build a Strong Foundation. Counselors can help students identify interests, strengths, and goals using tools such as assessments, inventories and card sorts. Students will then be able to identify colleges where they might thrive. Counselors can also help students learn about the importance of their grade point average (GPA), guide class selection, and encourage participation in clubs, sports, community activities, etc. (Roderick et al., 2011).
  3. Demystify the Application and Financial Aid Processes. Understanding that students lack family members with college experience, counselors can assist by explaining options (e.g., community college, public, private, trade/technical), providing an overview of timelines and deadlines, ensuring students understand requirements and help develop strategies to meet those requirements and assisting with applications, essays, letters of recommendation, etc. (McDonough, 1997). Understanding college education finance is often a challenge. Counselors can help by describing the costs of college (e.g., tuition, housing, food), explaining the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and identifying scholarship and loan opportunities. The net costs should be compared to the expected long-term benefits of a college experience and degree - higher lifetime earnings and expanded career opportunities as well as personal growth.
  4. Engage Families. Families of first-generation college-bound students often want to help but do not know how. Counselors can engage families as partners in the process by: (Ceja, 2004)
    • Providing clear and accessible information (including translated materials if needed)
    • Describing how they can support students
    • Respecting cultural values while encouraging college opportunities
  5. Review Acceptances. Counselors can meet with students and their families to review college acceptances and financial aid offers and help them assess academic, social, financial, and cultural fits (Hossler et al., 1999).
  6. Prepare for the Transition from High School to College. First-generation college-bound students often question whether they “belong” in college. Counselors can build their readiness and confidence by: (Strayhorn, 2018)
    • Normalizing fears and anxieties
    • Sharing success stories
    • Teaching self-advocacy skills (emailing professors, asking for help)

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Counselors can connect students to programs designed for first-generation college-bound students such as: (Engle and Tinto, 2008)

  • TRIO programs (Upward Bound, Talent Search) - Federally programs that provide academic support, mentoring, financial aid guidance, and college planning assistance.
  • College bridge and summer programs - College-specific programs that help first-generation college-bound students enter college with stronger academic preparation, greater confidence, and a better understanding of how to succeed.
  • Mentorship programs and peer networks - Programs that connect first-generation college-bound students with peers, faculty, and staff who provide guidance and support (Denon, 2020).
  • On-campus first-generation student organizations - Organizations that provide community, mentorship, academic support, leadership opportunities, and advocacy for first-generation college students.

Preparing These Students for Collegiate Success

First-generation college-bound students often face significant barriers to accessing and succeeding in higher education, including financial constraints, limited familiarity with the college process, and psychological challenges. With intentional, proactive support, counselors can play a critical role in closing opportunity gaps and helping these students navigate the college planning, application, and transition process.

 

References

BestColleges Staff Writers. (2021, June 25). How to overcome impostor syndrome in college. BestColleges. https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/overcome-impostor-syndrome-college/ 

Ceja, M. (2004). Chicana college aspirations and the role of parents. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, 3(4), 338–362. https://doi.org/10.1177/1538192704268427 

Covarrubias, R., & Fryberg, S. A. (2015). Movin’ on up (to college): First-generation college students’ experiences with family achievement guilt. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 21(3), 420–429. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037844 

Dennon, A. (2020, July 1). What is a first-generation college student? BestColleges. https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/what-is-a-first-generation-college-student/ 

Doane, D. (n.d.). Resource guide: Engaging in statewide advocacy for first-generation college students. FirstGen Forward. https://www.firstgenforward.org/hubfs/FGF%20Publications/Resource%20Guides/Resource-Guide_First_gen_Advocacy_Final.pdf 

Engle, J. (2007). Postsecondary access and success for first-generation college students. American Academic, 3, 25–48. https://hdl.voced.edu.au/10707/328327 

Engle, J., & Tinto, V. (2008). Moving beyond access: College success for low-income, first-generation students. Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education.

Hossler, D., Schmit, J., & Vesper, N. (1999). Going to college: How social, economic, and educational factors influence decisions. Johns Hopkins University Press.

McDonough, P. M. (1997). Choosing colleges: How social class and schools structure opportunity. State University of New York Press.

Roderick, M., Coca, V., & Nagaoka, J. (2011). Potholes on the road to college. Consortium on Chicago School Research at the University of Chicago.

Strayhorn, T. L. (2018). College students’ sense of belonging: A key to educational success for all students (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315297293 

Troy, C. (n.d.). Resource guide: Engaging support for Black first-generation students. FirstGen Forward. https://www.firstgenforward.org/hubfs/FGF%20Publications/Resource%20Guides/Resource-Guide_Black-First-gen-1.pdf 

Yang, J., Hartman Clune, S., & Steffenhagen, C. (2025, December 2). [News segment]. PBS newsHour. PBS.

 

Phil BenowitzPhil Benowitz is currently pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The College of New Jersey. He brings more than 25 years of experience in leadership, consulting, and professional development, where he partnered with individuals navigating career transitions, workplace challenges, and personal and professional growth. These experiences inspired his transition into counseling and inform his interests in life transitions, career development, adult development, and counseling older adults. He can be reached at benowitzp@gmail.com 

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12 Comments

Caitlin Salazar   on Monday 09/07/2026 at 09:25 AM

I think this article provides good information for school counselors when working with first-generation college students. One point I really liked was starting the college and/or career process earlier rather than waiting until senior year. The college process can be overwhelming for any student, but especially for those without parental support and who have family responsibilities. From this, counselors can make the process more manageable by explaining financial aid, exploring talent development opportunities, finding scholarships, explaining the application process, and helping students prepare for the transition to college.

Jenna Lopes-Kassed   on Monday 09/07/2026 at 03:46 PM

As someone who is a first generation college student/American, I had a wonderful counselor that helped guide me to get into college. I love reading article on how counselors can support first generation college students because it can really make a difference. What I liked about this article is that it mentioned the counselor should have a strong foundation with the student which really does make a difference. Personally for me, having a strong foundation with my counselor made me trust her and want to listen to her more than if I did not. As counselors, we really should be introducing and motivating first generation college students with as many resources or opportunities as possible to have a future.

Gabriella Fiore   on Wednesday 09/09/2026 at 01:00 PM

I found this article to be really insightful because as a school counselor helping students transition into college and getting them ready to apply is very important. Some kids are going to be first generation students where their parents might not know how to help or how the application process works. That is why it is so important that school counselors learn the steps so they can support students. As a first gen student I relate to this article because I did not know the first thing about applying to college and luckly I had a school counselor who knew who to help me but not everyone does. I believe it is important for school counselors to really understand the college application process.

Anabel Jimenez-Hiraldo   on Wednesday 09/09/2026 at 09:16 PM

Reading this articles made me realize how many amazing initiatives we already have in place at my school. The leadership team works closely with the school counseling team in making sure there is a designated space for students to go explore post-secondary options. We have a designated "College Room" for students of any grade to meet with a school counselor during lunch block. Representatives from Upward Bound, Onward We Learn, and ETS all have a space in the college room to work with students on their caseload and recruit new members. My school also has an Early Access College Coordinator that helps form partnerships with different colleges and universities. Having these partnerships in place, ensure that our students regardless of their background have access to college.

Sarah Amato-Benitez   on Wednesday 09/09/2026 at 10:21 PM

The challenges and need for support for first‑generation college‑bound students outlined in this article make a great deal of sense. As a future school counselor, I appreciate the clear description of their needs and the suggestions for targeted support while they are still in high school. After reading, I’m especially curious to learn more about the resources available once these students arrive on campus, as Benowitz describes first‑generation students needing help navigating the complex academic, social, and cultural transitions of college life. I would like to explore the types of supports colleges and universities provide, such as Talent Development at URI, so I can better prepare students by helping them understand the resources that will be available to them as they transition to college.

Brooke Britt   on Thursday 09/10/2026 at 09:13 AM

I really appreciated how this read laid out so many options to use with first generation college bound students. There are so many barriers that get in the way for these students and families, whether its financial concerns, social-emotional distress, or simply just not being familar with the process - it is our job as school counselors to make sure we help set these students up for success. I really appreciated how the different steps were laid out and that other great resources/programs were provided. These are all great ways that we can support these students and their families!

Brooke Sarmento   on Thursday 09/10/2026 at 01:13 PM

I think this article is a great resource for counselors that are working with first generation college students. I really like how this article places an emphasis on the pressures and mental health issues these students can face, including imposter syndrome. I think it can be easy for high achieving students to be overlooked by counselors because of their GPAs, so it is very reassuring to know the wellbeing of every student is considered. Furthermore, I think it is important to develop relationships as discussed with the students’ parents to set them up for success.

Daria Marinosci    on Thursday 09/10/2026 at 03:35 PM

What really stuck out to me in this article was the role of the counselor identifying first generation students in high school. This is a great strategy that I had not thought of, and showed me how much really does go into school counseling. Educating the parents is something that I also thought would be very useful considering this will give a student extra support and help the parents be able to relate to their child and help them. I also did not really think about the guilt factor that students experience and the imposter syndrome they may acquire by going to college when their parents have not. This really made me want to help and educate not just the student but the parents as well. This article felt very uplifting and gave me tools of how to get students to want the bright future I know they will be able to obtain.

Chanelle Murcotte   about 18 hours ago

While it is true that first-generation college students may need more support with college planning in general, it is also worth noting that some students that are not first generation could benefit from some of the same supports listed in the article. My daughter will not be a first-generation college student, but my college degrees were not acquired using the same process that hers might be. I entered community college out of high school and transferred to a 4-year college after that, then returned to another college for my master’s degree several years later. I didn’t go through the same steps that my daughter will follow if she is considering going to a 4-year college straight from high school and didn’t have the same experiences she will have if she lives in a college dorm. It is worth noting that I was not a first-generation student myself, but I did not have any family or counselor support during the college application process. This ultimately led me to community college despite the fact that I was an excellent student in many extracurricular leadership roles. I don’t think that my education or college experience was inferior, but I do think it turned out differently than it would have if I had support from adults in my life. Additionally, the older a parent is, the more removed they are from their own college application experience.

Because of this, I think the article’s point about school counselors helping to “demystify” the college application and financial aid processes is important for all students, not just first-generation students. Even students whose parents attended college may not have parents who are familiar with the current application process, financial aid options, or the many different pathways available after high school. School counselors can help make sure that students have access to the information and support they need to make informed decisions about their futures, regardless of their family’s educational background.

Christian Yoon   about 17 hours ago

I like how this article emphasizes early intervention. It spells out how first-generation students could be at higher risk to developing mental health issues that could inhibit success in school, and then provides resources of how to support these students. This article is effective and straight to the point.

Anthony Joseph   about 12 hours ago

Focusing on the needs of first generation college bound students is incredibly important. A lot of my friends in high school were first generation, and we were lucky that the school had access to tools and counselors who cared enough to help them on that path. I like the emphasis on "demystifying" the process. It can certainly be overwhelming, especially if there is not a family member who has been through the process to help. That and engaging the families are great ways to make the process simple for those students.

Ruby Costello   about 12 hours ago

This is such an important topic! Out of the six key areas of support, the first and third resonated with me the most. I think engaging freshman year is a proactive way to make a student feel more comfortable about approaching the counseling office later on. The FAFSA is another crucial factor. I think the line saying “Families of first-generation college-bound students often want to help but do not know how” is so important because these aids are there for students, they just need to be informed properly by a counselor.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the comments shown above are those of the individual comment authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of this organization.