10 Key Questions to Ask for College Success: A Guide for First-Generation Students and Families
Embarking on the journey to college is an exciting, yet sometimes overwhelming, experience—especially for first-generation students. Without the direct guidance of parents who have been through college themselves, it can feel like you’re entering uncharted waters. But here’s the good news: success in college and life after graduation isn’t a mystery, and the path can be clearer with the right questions!
Asking adults who’ve already navigated college for their advice can give you the insider knowledge you need to thrive. Below are 10 powerful questions that first-generation students should ask those who’ve been there, done that. These questions will help you prepare for both academic and personal success, setting you up to flourish in college and beyond.
About the author: Jeff Hulett leads Personal Finance Reimagined, a decision-making and financial education platform. He teaches personal finance at James Madison University and provides personal finance seminars. Check out his book -- Making Choices, Making Money: Your Guide to Making Confident Financial Decisions.
Jeff is a career banker, data scientist, behavioral economist, and choice architect. Jeff has held banking and consulting leadership roles at Wells Fargo, Citibank, KPMG, and IBM.
1. How did you choose your college and major, and would you do anything differently?
Choosing a college and a major is a big decision, and it’s important to ask for insights from those who’ve already made that choice. Understanding why they picked their school and major can help you think through what’s important to you—whether it’s location, cost, campus culture, or career opportunities. Learning from their reflections, including any decisions they might have changed, can guide you toward a choice that fits your goals and interests.
2. What challenges did you face during your first year, and how did you overcome them?
The first year of college can bring a lot of adjustments, from handling increased independence to managing a heavy academic load. By asking this question, you can discover what common challenges arise and how others have successfully navigated them. Whether it’s about balancing time, finding friends, or staying motivated, you’ll gain tips that can help you prepare for what’s ahead.
3. What resources (like academic support, clubs, or mentors) did you find most helpful during your college experience?
College campuses offer a wide variety of resources, but knowing which ones to prioritize can be overwhelming. Asking others which support systems helped them succeed—whether academic advisors, study groups, or career services—will show you where to focus your efforts. Discovering helpful resources early on can make a big difference in your college experience.
4. How did you manage your finances, and what advice would you give for budgeting during college?
Managing money in college is often a learning curve, especially if it’s your first time handling finances on your own. Adults who’ve been through it can offer valuable advice on everything from budgeting your meal plan to managing part-time jobs. Their tips on handling tuition, books, and other costs can help you avoid common financial pitfalls and graduate with less debt.
5. What study habits or strategies helped you succeed academically?
Academic success isn’t just about being smart—it’s about having the right habits. Learning how others managed their time, approached studying, and handled exams can give you practical strategies to adopt for yourself. Whether it’s creating a study schedule, using flashcards, or finding the best time to study, these habits can set you up for academic achievement.
6. How did you balance school, work, and social life?
College life is about much more than just academics. Balancing schoolwork, social activities, and sometimes even part-time work can be challenging. By asking this question, you can learn how others have balanced these aspects of college life while still enjoying the experience. It’s about learning to manage your time effectively and making sure you don’t burn out.
7. Did you use any career services or internships to prepare for life after college?
Preparing for life after graduation is just as important as your time in college. Ask adults how they took advantage of career services, internships, or networking opportunities. These resources are often key to finding jobs after graduation, and learning about them ahead of time can give you a head start on building your professional network.
8. What do you wish you had known about college before you started?
Hindsight is 20/20, and people who have already been through college often have valuable insights about what they wish they had done differently. Whether it’s applying for scholarships, joining certain clubs, or building relationships with professors, you’ll learn about opportunities that may not have been obvious to them when they were starting out.
9. How important were connections (professors, peers, networking) to your career after college?
It’s easy to think that grades are the most important part of college, but networking often plays an equally critical role in future career success. By learning how others built relationships with professors and peers, you can better understand how to start forming your own connections, which can lead to internships, job opportunities, and even lifelong friendships.
10. What advice would you give for transitioning from college into the workforce?
Graduating college is just the beginning of your journey into the real world. Asking for advice on how to smoothly transition from school to work—whether it’s learning job-hunting skills, improving interview techniques, or developing professional habits—can prepare you for this major life change. Success after college often begins with smart decisions made while still in school.
Bottom Line
College can be an amazing, transformative experience, especially for first-generation students. While the path might seem daunting, asking the right questions can provide clarity and guidance. These 10 questions are designed to help you tap into the wisdom of those who’ve gone before you, so you can confidently navigate your own college journey.
Parents can encourage their high schoolers to have these conversations with friends, relatives, or teachers who’ve been to college, ensuring they’re fully prepared for what lies ahead. Remember, with the right mindset and preparation, success in college is well within your reach!
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