First in the family to college

A plain-language guide for students who will be the first in their family to go to college, and for their parents: the steps for each grade, the words to know, and free help that already exists.

Being the first in your family to go to college is common, and colleges look for students like you. This page explains the steps in plain words. Most browsers can translate it.

Student's grade

Words to know

Word	What it means
Net price	What college really costs after grants and scholarships. Every college has a net price calculator on its website.
FAFSA	The free federal form for financial aid. Fill it out every year of college.
Grant	Money for college that does not have to be paid back.
Loan	Money that must be paid back, with interest.
Work-study	A part-time job, often on campus, that helps pay for college.
Fee waiver	Lets a student take the SAT or ACT, or apply to college, without paying the fee.
Early action and early decision	Applying early. Early decision is a promise to attend if admitted; early action is not.
Transcript	The record of every high school class and grade.
Recommendation	A letter from a teacher or counselor about the student.

Free help that already exists

The school counselor: ask for a meeting once a semester.
College access programs at many schools, including the federal TRIO programs where offered.
Each college's admissions and financial aid office: you can call or email with any question.
StudentAid.gov for federal aid, loans and the FAFSA.

General information. Programs and deadlines vary by school, state and college; check each one's own pages.

Want help with this part? Your Caveat advisor walks your family through every step, from 9th grade classes to the first day of college, in plain words, with a weekly check-in.

Book a free 20-minute call See College Launch support

This tool is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Each college decides admission, aid and how credit counts, and requirements change; check each college's own pages. Examples are examples, not promises. Caveat Academic Services is an independent college preparation company. Students do all of their own work.