First-Generation Student Leader

The First-Gen Trailblazer

A student from Ohio with a 3.6 GPA leveraged a standout record of early leadership in Speech & Debate to earn admission to the University of Michigan’s highly competitive Ross School of Business.

College Choice:

University of Michigan

Academic Overview

Location: Midwest

GPA/Class Rank: 3.6

Test Score: 1180

Major: Business

Standout Factor

His early-developed leadership and his rare ability to inspire and uplift others. From a young age, he consistently created positive impact and looked for opportunities to bring out the best in the people around him.

Activities

Captain, Speech & Debate

Business Camp Counselor

Varsity Cross Country

Morning Announcements

Success Story

A student from Ohio with a strong interest in business entered the college process with a clear pattern of leadership. We worked closely with him to fully leverage and showcase his leadership experiences, helping position him as a strong candidate for business programs despite a slightly lower GPA.

As captain of his Speech & Debate Club since sophomore year, he mentored younger members, built training materials for competitions, and helped guide the team to regional and national successes. 

His counselor worked with him to frame his business experiences into a cohesive narrative highlighting leadership, teamwork, and initiative. The application process also involved strategic research around first-generation college status, since his parents attended college outside the United States and policies vary across schools.

He ultimately earned admission to a highly respected undergraduate business program at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

Accepted to:

College Choice

Start Your Story

Navigate the college admissions process with our experts and set yourself up for college success.

✦ The HelloCollege Insider

The College Journey is Complicated and Competitive. We'll Help You Navigate It.

Get free, grade-specific advice from our Forbes-rated team — including mistake-prevention guides, admissions news, and live expert webinars. No strings attached.

No thanks, I don't want guidance