For many first-generation students, the idea of graduate school feels like stepping into uncharted territory. You might be the first in your family to consider a master’s or doctoral degree—which means you’re the first to navigate graduate school applications, conduct high-level research and develop advanced professional skills.
Many first-generation students experience some degree of imposter syndrome, a self-imposed feeling of not belonging or not being capable of success in an unfamiliar situation.
As a first-generation student myself, I experienced uncertainty and self-doubt from my first day in college and into my doctoral program. Now that I work in University of the Pacific’s Graduate Admission Office, I regularly ask first-generation students and graduates, “What do you wish you had known before starting graduate school?” Here are some things they shared.
“You belong here”
Imposter syndrome is real, but don’t let it define or dictate what you’re capable of.
One alum shared this with me: “I constantly questioned whether I was smart enough or prepared enough. But, when I found out most of my peers felt the same way as me, it was a huge sense of relief. After discussing each of our experiences with imposter syndrome, we all came to the same conclusion that it was something that had no basis in truth. We hadn’t been admitted to graduate school by mistake and doing well in our classes wasn’t because we were graded more leniently than other students. We were there and we were succeeding because we had worked hard and had proven ourselves.”
Ask questions early and often
First-generation students often feel pressure to figure things out on their own. These are often due to misguided fears over asking a “dumb” question or thinking they should know how to navigate graduate school from day one.
But graduate school is designed to be collaborative and supportive. Faculty and staff understand that all new students are tackling new processes, including how to learn in new ways.
Alumni I’ve spoken to urge new and prospective graduate students to connect with faculty, advisors and student support services early and often.
“Don’t wait until you’re struggling,” one of them advised. “Your professors want you to wait questions and want to help.”
Your perspective is a strength
Many first-generation students worry that their status makes them stand out from others. But that’s a powerful asset, not a weakness.
“My experiences gave me empathy, resilience and taught me to be more innovative in how I used limited resources and opportunities available to me,” another alum said. “Those aren’t weaknesses, they’re sources of strength that I can use and share with others.”
If you’re a first-generation student and thinking about graduate school, know this: your story matters. At University of the Pacific, there is a community that honors where you come from, believes in where you’re going and offers you the support you need to get there.