
{"id":2156,"date":"2025-03-28T22:49:05","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T06:49:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/?p=2156"},"modified":"2026-08-31T10:12:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T18:12:41","slug":"first-gen-college-application","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/first-gen-college-application\/","title":{"rendered":"First-Gen &amp; Proud: Navigating the College Application Process (Tips &amp; Resources)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/college-application-timeline\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Applying to college can be<\/a> tough. It can feel even tougher as a first-generation student. You&#8217;re paving the way for yourself and your family. You are amazing! This guide is for you. We&#8217;ll cover tips and resources. We&#8217;ll help you create a strong first generation college application. You&#8217;ve got this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-9-1024x576.png\" alt=\"First-Gen College App: Tips, Resources &amp; Confidence\n\" class=\"wp-image-2493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-9-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-9-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-9-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-9.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You Belong Here: Dispelling the Imposter Syndrome<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Imposter syndrome is common. Many first-gen students feel like they don&#8217;t belong. They doubt their abilities. Remember: You deserve to be here. Your hard work has gotten you this far. Colleges want students like you. Your unique perspective is valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M12 3 1 8l11 5 9-4.1V15h2V8L12 3z\"\/><path d=\"M5 12.7v3.3c0 1.2 3.1 3 7 3s7-1.8 7-3v-3.3l-7 3.2-7-3.2z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Find Your Best-Fit College<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#c9d9e6\">Search and compare 7,000+ colleges and trade schools to find the ones that fit your goals and budget.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/college\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#072A40;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Find Colleges<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highlighting Your Unique Strengths<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a first-gen student, you have unique strengths. Highlight these in your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Resilience:<\/strong> You&#8217;ve overcome challenges to get where you are. Show your grit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Determination:<\/strong> You&#8217;re driven to succeed. Share your ambitions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Resourcefulness:<\/strong> You know how to find solutions. Explain how you solve problems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Leadership:<\/strong> You may be a role model for your family and community. Show how you lead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cultural Awareness:<\/strong> You bridge different worlds. Share your perspective.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/supplemental-essay-prompts-examples\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Use your essays and activities<\/a> list to showcase these strengths. Provide specific examples. Show, don&#8217;t just tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Asking for Help: Building Your Support System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t be afraid to ask for help. Many people want to support you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>High School Counselors:<\/strong> They can help with applications and financial aid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Teachers:<\/strong> They can provide recommendations and essay feedback.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentors:<\/strong> Find someone who has been through the college process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Family:<\/strong> Lean on your family for emotional support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community Organizations:<\/strong> Many organizations offer college prep programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is okay to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/applying-undecided-major\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">admit you don&#8217;t know something<\/a>. Seeking help is a sign of strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#F3D08A;color:#082033;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M12 2a10 10 0 1 0 0 20 10 10 0 0 0 0-20zm.9 15.4v1.2h-1.6v-1.2c-1.5-.2-2.5-1-2.7-2.4h1.7c.1.7.7 1.1 1.8 1.1 1 0 1.6-.4 1.6-1s-.4-.9-1.9-1.2c-1.8-.4-2.9-1-2.9-2.5 0-1.2.9-2.1 2.4-2.3V6.4h1.6v1.4c1.3.2 2.2 1 2.4 2.2h-1.7c-.1-.6-.6-1-1.5-1s-1.5.4-1.5 1c0 .5.5.8 1.9 1.1 1.9.4 2.9 1 2.9 2.6 0 1.3-.9 2.2-2.4 2.3z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Lower Your College Costs<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a4212\">Discover free money for college and start reducing what you&#8217;ll owe.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Search Scholarships<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Financial Aid &amp; Resources: Making College Affordable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>College can be expensive. Explore all financial aid options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>FAFSA:<\/strong> Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CSS Profile:<\/strong> Some colleges require this form for additional aid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scholarships:<\/strong> Apply for scholarships from different organizations like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Cirkled In<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Grants:<\/strong> Grants are need-based and don&#8217;t have to be repaid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>QuestBridge:<\/strong> This program connects low-income students with top colleges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Resources like QuestBridge can open doors. Don&#8217;t assume you can&#8217;t afford college. Research your options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Telling Your Story: The Personal Essay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The personal essay is your chance to shine. Share your unique story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Be Authentic:<\/strong> Write in your own voice. Let your personality shine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Show, Don&#8217;t Tell:<\/strong> Use vivid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/supplemental-essay-examples-why-us-community\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">language and specific examples<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Focus on Your Growth:<\/strong> How have you overcome challenges? What have you learned?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Connect to Your Future:<\/strong> How will college help you achieve your goals?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Address your First-Gen Status:<\/strong> How has being a first-gen student shaped you? Don&#8217;t shy away from sharing your experiences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t be afraid to be vulnerable. Colleges want to know the real you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>First-Gen College App: Tips, Resources &amp; Confidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/applying-college-low-gpa-test-optional-strengths\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Applying to college as<\/a> a first-generation student can be challenging, but it&#8217;s also incredibly rewarding. Embrace your strengths, seek support, and tell your story. You are making your family proud. You are changing the future. Good luck!<br>\ud83d\udca1<strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> You can use platforms like<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"> Cirkled In<\/a> to create a dynamic portfolio to highlight your skills and achievements and increase your success (<strong><em>and it\u2019s free!<\/em><\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">$2,500 No-Sweat Scholarship<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a3a10\">Five minutes to apply for $2,500 toward college. No essay marathon required.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-related\" style=\"background:#e7f1fb;border-radius:16px;padding:20px 24px;margin:30px 0 16px;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#2b6f9c;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 4px\">Keep Reading<\/div><div style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:800;color:#0A3D5C;margin:0 0 10px\">Related Articles<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/financial-aid-for-first-generation-college-students\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">First-Gen Financial Aid Guide: Your Path to Affordable College<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/grants-vs-scholarships\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Grants vs. Scholarships: What&#8217;s the Difference and How to Get Both!<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/negotiate-college-financial-aid-award\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Get More College Money: How to Negotiate Financial Aid Like a Pro<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/mental-health-and-well-being\/imposter-syndrome-high-school-feeling-fraud\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">The Imposter Syndrome Struggle: Feeling Like a Fraud Despite Your Accomplishments<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/fafsa-vs-css-profile-comparison\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">FAFSA vs. CSS Profile: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Key Sections &amp;amp; Required Info<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/mental-health-and-well-being\/building-a-support-system-in-high-school\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Building a Support System in High School: Friends, Family, Counselors, and Knowing Where to Turn for Help<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.ci-why-tiles{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:11px}.ci-why-tiles .ci-wide{grid-column:span 2}@media(max-width:600px){.ci-why-tiles{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.ci-why-tiles .ci-wide{grid-column:span 2}}<\/style><div class=\"ci-auto-footer\" style=\"border-radius:16px;padding:26px 26px 24px;margin:16px 0 6px;background:linear-gradient(150deg,#0A3D5C 0%,#0c3350 55%,#072A40 100%);color:#fff;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#F5C563;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.4px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 6px\">Why Cirkled In?<\/div><div style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 9px\">You\u2019re more than a test score \u2014 get discovered.<\/div><p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#d6e4ef;margin:0 0 18px\">You have a story, and Cirkled In helps you tell it \u2014 shining a light on who you are so the right colleges find you. Find your dream college, gain real experience, and win scholarships, all at one hub.<\/p><div class=\"ci-why-tiles\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#2EA9E0;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg>Create My Portfolio<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/college\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#147097;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 3 1 8l11 5 9-4.1V15h2V8L12 3z\"\/><path d=\"M5 12.7v3.3c0 1.2 3.1 3 7 3s7-1.8 7-3v-3.3l-7 3.2-7-3.2z\"\/><\/svg>Research 7,000+ Colleges<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#F3D08A;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 2a10 10 0 1 0 0 20 10 10 0 0 0 0-20zm.9 15.4v1.2h-1.6v-1.2c-1.5-.2-2.5-1-2.7-2.4h1.7c.1.7.7 1.1 1.8 1.1 1 0 1.6-.4 1.6-1s-.4-.9-1.9-1.2c-1.8-.4-2.9-1-2.9-2.5 0-1.2.9-2.1 2.4-2.3V6.4h1.6v1.4c1.3.2 2.2 1 2.4 2.2h-1.7c-.1-.6-.6-1-1.5-1s-1.5.4-1.5 1c0 .5.5.8 1.9 1.1 1.9.4 2.9 1 2.9 2.6 0 1.3-.9 2.2-2.4 2.3z\"\/><\/svg>Find 6,500+ Scholarships<\/a><a class=\"ci-wide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/internship-and-jobs\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#1F5F8B;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><rect x=\"10.3\" y=\"2.4\" width=\"3.4\" height=\"2.2\" rx=\"1.1\"\/><rect x=\"5\" y=\"4.6\" width=\"14\" height=\"16.8\" rx=\"2.4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#fff\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"7.4\" y=\"7.4\" width=\"9.2\" height=\"3.4\" rx=\"1\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"13\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"16\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"19\" width=\"5\" height=\"1.5\"\/><\/svg>Explore 24,000+ Internships, Jobs &amp; Volunteering<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg>Win the $2,500 Scholarship<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Applying to college can be tough. It can feel even tougher as a first-generation student. You&#8217;re paving the way for yourself and your family. You are amazing! This guide is for you. We&#8217;ll cover tips and resources. We&#8217;ll help you create a strong first generation college application. You&#8217;ve got this! [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":2492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[1944,18,66,112,1913,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943],"class_list":["post-2156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-college-applications-and-admissions","tag-telling-your-story","tag-college-admissions","tag-college-application-tips","tag-financial-aid","tag-college-application-process","tag-first-gen-college-students","tag-imposter-syndrome","tag-personal-essay","tag-support-system","tag-college-resources","tag-first-generation-college","tag-first-gen-resources","tag-college-affordability","tag-admissions-confidence","tag-first-gen-strengths"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>First-Gen &amp; Proud: Navigating the College Application Process (Tips &amp; Resources) - Cirkled In<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"First-generation college applicant? 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