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First-Generation Students Student Life

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Nationally, first-generation students have reached 51% in college attendance (Pascarella, Pierson, Wolniak, & Terenzini, 2004; Ward, Siegel & Davenport, 2012) and are overrepresented among African Americans, Latinx, and other racial/ethnic groups. First-generation students–the first to go to college among their parents–lean on their parents for emotional support to further explore personal identities and for other types of guidance. This population will rely on other resources to learn how to navigate the political, social and academic culture of the campus. It is extremely important that first-generation students connect with a community that will support their overall endeavors at UC San Diego.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and Family Top Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Parents' Helpline: (858) 534-7273 | parents@ucsd.edu