First-Generation College Students Experience

Starting college can be both overwhelming and exhilarating, especially for first-generation students. At Cornell Engineering, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and supportive community for everyone. From your first day on campus to graduation and beyond, a variety of resources are available to support you throughout your college journey.

First-Generation Trailblazers: Shaping the Future

Meet other first-generation students who have attended and thrived at Cornell Engineering

  • Ashley: Mechanical Engineering

    “I chose Cornell because there’s an amazing amount of resources and it was a chance to network.”

  • Female student outside in a green area

  • Adam: Environmental Engineering

    “I chose Cornell Engineering because I wanted to surround myself with faculty and students who are leaders in their fields. The professors I work with inspire me as a student as well as push me to be a successful engineer every day.”

  • A smiling student stands with a waterfall in the background

  • Yesenia: Computer Science

    “What inspires me most about Cornell is that there’s an effort to support and encourage women to pursue fields in STEM that other colleges do not push for.”

  • Student smiles, leaning against river railing with bridge in background

  • Francis: Electrical and Computer Engineering

    “I want to live in a world where engineers will be the shapers of society. From the products they create to the problems they solve to the ideas they generate, engineers will leave a lasting impact on the world well beyond their years.”

  • Male student headshot

Helpful Hints for the Application process

Applying to college is an experience like none that you’ve had before. There are thousands of colleges and universities to consider, each offering their own unique programs and qualities. As you weigh your options , here are some hints on how to focus your search and narrow down all of your options.

Students laugh together at table with laptops in Duffield Hall

  • Start Your Search Early

    By the beginning of your junior year in high school, start compiling a list of institutions that may be of interest to you. As you begin the process, it’s all right if your list is fairly long.

  • Narrow Your List

    We strongly recommend narrowing down your list of schools by the beginning of your senior year. Do this by thinking carefully about your interests, your strengths, and what you’d like to get out of your time at college.

  • Use Available Resources

    Reach out to school guidance counselors, teachers, and community-based organizations for perspective and assistance. Don’t be afraid to check in with some of your peers who have recently been through the process. You can also check in with admissions officers at the institutions you’re learning about.

  • Visit Campuses

    If you are able, visit the colleges and universities you’re interested in. Go on their campus tours and attend information sessions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your visit, and follow up with additional questions by email afterwards. Get more information about Tours and Information Sessions at Cornell Engineering.

  • Be Aware of Your Finances

    Although it can be expensive, attending the institution of your choice should not have to be a financial burden. There are a variety of financial aid opportunities available, and each institution will have their own financial aid office that can answer questions about institution-specific financial aid. Learn more about Tuition and Financial Aid at Cornell Engineering.

Resources Available for First-Generation Students

There are many resources available for first-generation college students in Cornell Engineering and across Cornell University.

Highlighted Resources in Cornell Engineering

  • Justice Starks presents his research at a poster session

    Office of Inclusive Excellence

    provides programs that facilitate the recruitment, academic development, retention, and success of all members of the Cornell Engineering community.

  • Three students work quietly on tablets together at table

    Engineering Advising

    provides a variety of advising services and programs to assist students in achieving their undergraduate academic and personal goals.

  • Career Center peer advisor talks with student at office desk

    Cornell Engineering Career Center

    offers targeted services and resources for undergraduate and graduate students, and employers.

  • Selander Center for Engineering Leadership

    offers a range of programs, including mentoring, professional leadership coaching, and credit-bearing classes that enhance the ability of students from all backgrounds to be effective leaders and team members.

University Resources

  • First Generation and Low Income Student Support

    is intended to promote identity exploration, community, advocacy and empowerment for all students who identify with the first-generation and/or low-income student experience.

  • First-Generation Student Union

    is committed to making sure first-generation, low-income students at Cornell University find a true sense of belonging and are able to thrive.

  • Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives

    is focused on inclusion and achievement across the Cornell campus so students of all backgrounds excel at their academic goals.

  • Learning Strategies Center

    is the central academic support unit for undergraduates at Cornell University. Through program offerings that encourage students to develop effective approaches to mastering the academic rigors of Cornell, the center actively engages students in the learning process and supports their efforts to become more successful and independent learners.

  • Cornell Health

    is the fully accredited provider of medical and mental health services for students on Cornell’s Ithaca campus.

  • Tatkon Center 

    is a support and resource center for first-year students that’s staffed by upper-level students who are eager to share their experience and help you make a smooth transition to our campus community.