Skip to main content

At JCU, we believe a first-generation student is more than just someone who is among the first to attend college in their family. We believe they are the ones who can change the world!

As a first-generation student, you have the drive, ambition and dedication to make a change, but you may be unsure of how to begin your college search. What questions do you ask? How do you submit your FAFSA? What support services are available to you on campus? 

Below is a list of links to assist you as you begin to think about your transition from high school to college.   

Visit JCU Visiting campus is often described as one of the most important aspects of the decision making process. We invite you to come and see JCU!

 

Meet Your JCU Enrollment Manager Your JCU Enrollment Manager is available to help you with any questions from the beginning of your college search process until you enroll at JCU.

 

Financial Aid Learn more about scholarship and grant opportunities available to JCU students. 

 

Center for Career Services JCU's Center for Career Services is a great resources that will help you with career-related decisions, develop the skills to achieve your goals, and connect you to opportunities.

 

Academic Resources & Advising Your JCU Faculty Advisor will work with you to discuss your educational and career goals, suggest a plan of study for your major, and assist you with your course selection and scheduling.

 

Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion offers a variety of programs to educate the entire campus community on issues of diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism.

 

Student Accessibility Services JCU's Student Accessibility Services office provides support for students with disabilities. 

 

Health, Wellness & Safety JCU's Counseling Center, Health & Wellness Center, and more will provide support for you as a JCU student. 

 

Student Life You'll have many opportunities to get involved at JCU, including clubs, activities, intramurals, and fraternity and sorority life. 

 

Campus Ministry Participate in retreats, immersion experiences, Small Faith Communities and more. 

 

"I’m a first-generation student at JCU. From my experience I would say the community at JCU helped me adjust the fastest. The welcoming atmosphere made me feel right at home from day one."

-Jack Burton '22

 

"As a first generation student at John Carroll, I benefited from the size of our community. Faculty and staff knew me by name. A brief interaction with a student affairs staff member opened me up to many different opportunities to get connected and involved. I continued to find that support throughout my four years on campus!"

-Abby Joyce '08, Associate Director of Enrollment 

 

"Being a first-generation student is exciting and scary. There is a real sense of pride in being the first in your family to take this huge leap which comes with an equal sense of fear because I wasn't sure where to start. My admissions counselor was a great help to me. She told me about dates, deadlines, application logistics and how to search for financial aid. Being nervous is normal but asking for help is essential to getting off on the right foot."

-Adam Parliman, Assistant Director of Enrollment 

 

"For me, being a first-generation college student was overwhelming in the beginning of my college search process. However here are a few things that I found helpful when I was going through my college search process to make it less stressful and overwhelming.

  • Be organized! Keep a list/calendar of important dates.
  • Have someone other than your family read your essay responses.
  • Talk to your college counselor.
  • Ask all the questions. You don't know what you don't know.
  • Talk to your friends that are going through the process too.
  • Visit campus.
  • Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)."

-Nikki Galmarini, Assistant Director of Campus Events and Visits 

 

Check back for future dates.