We Understand the First-Gen Experience
Many first-gen students don't have parents who can help navigate college applications. That's where we come in.
No Family Experience to Draw On
Your parents can support you emotionally, but they may not know what makes a college essay work. We provide the expert guidance you need.
Different Life Experiences
Your experiences may look different from students with college-educated parents. We help you present those experiences as the strengths they are.
Imposter Syndrome Is Real
Feeling like you don't belong is common for first-gen students. We help you see that your story is valuable and worth telling confidently.
Resource Gaps
Expensive college counselors aren't accessible to everyone. Our affordable pricing means you can get quality help without breaking the bank.
Common First-Gen Essay Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
Focusing Only on Hardship
The mistake: Writing an essay that's only about struggles and challenges.
Better approach: Show how you've grown, what you've learned, and the strengths you've developed. Hardship is part of your story, not all of it.
Being Too Generic About Being "First"
The mistake: Writing vague statements like "I want to make my family proud."
Better approach: Be specific about YOUR experience. What moments shaped you? What specific conversations or realizations matter to you?
Apologizing for Your Background
The mistake: Feeling like you need to explain why you don't have certain experiences.
Better approach: Own your story confidently. You have experiences that many applicants don't—that's a strength.
Not Showing Personal Agency
The mistake: Presenting yourself as a passive recipient of circumstances.
Better approach: Show how you've taken initiative, made decisions, and shaped your own path despite obstacles.
What Colleges Value in First-Gen Applicants
Resilience
Navigating college applications without family experience shows grit and determination.
Fresh Perspective
First-gen students bring viewpoints and experiences that enrich campus diversity.
Motivation
Understanding the value of education because you've seen life without it is powerful.
Family Values
Strong family connections and understanding of sacrifice create depth and maturity.
Affordable Expert Help
We believe every student deserves access to quality essay feedback—regardless of family income or background.
Expert Review
Detailed, sensitive feedback on your first-gen story
- ✓ Strength-based feedback
- ✓ Authentic voice preserved
- ✓ 3-5 day delivery
Review + Rewrite
Full review + professional rewrite + 1 revision
Most Popular- ✓ Everything in Expert Review
- ✓ Full professional rewrite
- ✓ 1 revision round
Premium Package
Everything above + 3 revisions + priority + guarantee
- ✓ Everything in Review + Rewrite
- ✓ 3 revision rounds
- ✓ Money-back guarantee
"Colleges actively recruit first-generation students. They're not looking for you to have the same experiences as everyone else—they want to hear YOUR unique story."
— Our team's philosophy
Questions First-Gen Students Often Ask
Should I write about being first-gen?
Not necessarily. If being first-gen is central to your story or the prompt asks about it, yes. But you can also write about any topic that shows who you are. We can help you decide what approach works best.
Will you understand my family's culture?
We approach every essay with respect and curiosity. We won't change your voice or make your story sound "more American." We help you tell YOUR story more effectively.
I don't have impressive extracurriculars. Is that okay?
Yes! Working a job, helping with family responsibilities, or navigating challenges shows character. We help you present what you HAVE done as the accomplishments they are.
Can you help with the additional information section?
Absolutely. Many first-gen students have circumstances worth explaining. We can help you write effective additional information entries if needed.