We know being a first-generation college student can pose unique challenges. A first-generation college student is someone whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. So if this is you, you've come to the right place! We've put links to all the webpages we think you'll find most useful, in one place!
Applying to BYU
The application process is different at every institution. Here at BYU, we offer lots of resources to help our applicants understand what we are looking for in their application and what to expect during the process! Check out the pages below if you want to know more about the application process!
Paying for School
If paying for college is a concern for you, you are not alone! We want you to know that paying for BYU is not only doable, but often times more doable than you might think! Check out the many resources BYU provides to help you pay for college.
First-Generation Student Stories
Want to hear about the experiences of some of our other first-generation students? Read the stories below to learn how these students thrived at BYU!
None of my family ever attended university before me. We never had enough to support ourselves – I wanted to break that cycle. I figured that going to college would be the very first step.
I almost did not come to college, mainly for financial reasons. After graduating from high school, I started working full-time to save up for college. Once I started earning money, something I was not used to having, it tempted me to keep working instead of spending the money on schooling. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that despite the financial challenges of going to school, it would open doors to more opportunities to succeed in the long run. This is why I decided to keep pursuing my education and do a master’s degree.
When I was applying, my ward members who already attended BYU schools helped me a lot. They were supportive and encouraging. Having assistance from those who already have the experience is really helpful.
Both my younger sisters didn’t care to finish high school, and they certainly never had plans to attend college. They didn’t have a clear direction or purpose, and I wanted them to live better lives. I told them that going to college will give you a real pathway to having a prosperous life. I encouraged them to go to college by helping them find ways to do a makeup year to be qualified for university. My sisters had the potential to go to college – they just needed someone to point them in the right direction on how they can get through college and their future. They now have both finished undergraduate, one with a nursing degree and the other with a business degree.
If you have a desire, you can do it - there will always be someone who can help you to get through. If you are worried about paying for school, there are resources available for you such as merit scholarship, private scholarship, need-based scholarship, financial services, student jobs, etc. Just do it; it’s worth it.
Kennedy is a first-generation college student; neither of her parents attended college but they encouraged her to get an education. After she was denied from BYU, Kennedy thought that she would never have the chance to study at BYU. But, she attended BYU-Idaho, where she worked hard, applied to BYU again, and got accepted.
“Applying to a university can be daunting, especially if your parents did not attend a university. Seek out help when you need to. Contact professors, teaching assistants, and advisors. Take inventory of your mental health. Reach out to family and friends for support. You are not alone on this journey."
Kennedy is now a senior at BYU pursuing her education in neuroscience and sociology. She plans to apply for medical school and become a doctor.
I grew up in Provo, my dad is from Mexico City, and my mom grew up in the Bay Area of California. They met in Utah and wanted their kids to have a good life full of opportunities to succeed. My dad grew up in a very poor area in Mexico City, and he came to the US like many immigrants do to pursue the American Dream. Both of my parents worked my whole life. My mom worked graveyard shifts for 20-30 years to provide for us, so I didn’t get to see her a lot which means I didn’t have a traditional LDS Utah upbringing. Neither of them went to college, but because of the sacrifices they made, we were able to grow up in a really good home and community.
I've been worried about whether or not I'm a good disciple, but I will still unashamedly proclaim my love for the Lord. I’ve been at the bottom of the academic scale, but I’ve also been at the top. I’ve been the person who has had a lot of friends, and at other times I’ve been the person who doesn’t have any friends. The parable of the lost sheep is my favorite lesson in scripture because I have felt like the lost sheep; I think we all feel that way at different times in our lives. As a first-generation college student, it can be difficult to navigate the "firsts" that come with being a college student. It’s so important to focus on the one and to build up those around you. If you come to BYU, know that you belong here because you belong to God. BYU can use your talents, your gifts, and your love. Everyone has something to contribute, and one person can make such an impact.