First Generation College Students

College is challenging for most well-to-do students, but it can be especially difficult for those with limited access to monetary and academic resources. First generation college students face many challenges, many of which are addressed during the 3 Miles podcast on the This American Life radio show. Social class, poverty, and experienced advisers are major issues affecting students who are the first in their family to attend college.

Students at University Heights High School, “located in the poorest congressional district in the country,” do not have access to the same academic resources as the students who attend the exclusive private school, Fieldston. While these schools are only three miles apart, social class plays a critical role in programs, courses, and facilities open to the students. Lower class students have restricted availability to the same opportunities as upper class students, which results in limited ways to bridge this gap. Melanie’s only chance for going to college was to attain the highly coveted Posse Scholarship, while her peers attending Fieldston had access to elite …show more content…
These students often have to work while attending college, which can hinder their academic performance. I personally know that it is hard to keep up with the demands of school, while having a job that requires long hours. There is less time to catch up on schoolwork or study for the next big test, often leading to excess stress. On a similar level, Melanie also has to try to juggle a full-time job and late night college courses. Even if tuition is paid for, other factors such as textbooks and cost of living can cripple a student’s chance at success. Chana describes Jonathan’s first experience at college when she says, “he looked up his course syllabi and panicked. He couldn't afford the books. He also did not tell anyone he couldn't afford the books. He just never got

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