First-Generation Students

You’re doing this without a roadmap. We built one.

My School List gives first-generation college students personalized school matches, real admission odds, 434 scholarships, and financial aid estimates — everything a $5,000 counselor provides, at a fraction of the cost.

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The Two Tools That Matter Most

First-gen families need clarity on two things above all else: how to pay for college and where to find free money. My School List delivers both.

Scholarship Finder

Browse 434 real scholarships filtered by state, category, and amount. Dozens are specifically for first-generation students, low-income families, and underrepresented communities. Homeschool families, athletes, STEM students, essay writers — there is something for everyone.

Financial Aid Explorer

See estimated financial aid packages for every school on your list. Compare net costs side by side so you can make informed decisions based on what your family will actually pay — not the sticker price that scares most first-gen families away from schools they can actually afford.

Admission Odds That Demystify the Process

Most first-gen students have no idea whether they are aiming too high, too low, or just right. My School List shows you personalized admission odds for every school based on your actual academic profile — not generic acceptance rates from a Google search.

Every school on your list is categorized as a reach, match, or safety so you can build a balanced list with confidence. No guesswork. No wasted application fees. Just data-driven decisions that put you in the strongest position possible.

Everything a Counselor Provides. Without the Price Tag.

The average private college counselor charges $4,000–$10,000. My School List gives first-gen families the same tools and insights for a fraction of the cost.

1,000+
Schools with admission odds
434
Real scholarships
1,000+
Schools with app requirements
24/7
AI college counselor
FAQ

Questions First-Gen Students Actually Ask

Do I need a private college counselor?

No. Private college counselors charge $2,000–10,000+ and most families cannot afford one. My School List gives you the same tools and data a private counselor uses — personalized school lists, admission odds, merit aid estimates, scholarship search, application tracking, and an AI college counselor — at a fraction of the cost. You get expert-level guidance without the expert-level price tag.

How does financial aid actually work?

Financial aid comes in three main forms: grants and scholarships (free money), work-study (a campus job), and loans (money you pay back). The FAFSA is the form that unlocks most aid. My School List’s Financial Aid Explorer shows you estimated aid packages for every school on your list so you can compare real costs before you apply — no surprises.

What is a reach, match, and safety school?

A safety school is one where your academic profile is above the typical admitted student — you are very likely to get in. A match school is one where your profile aligns with the average admitted student. A reach school is one where your profile is below the average — admission is possible but not guaranteed. My School List categorizes every school on your list so you can build a balanced college list with confidence.

How do I know which schools are affordable for my family?

Upload your transcript and My School List will estimate merit aid and financial aid for every school on your list. You will see the estimated net cost — what you would actually pay after aid — so you can compare schools by real price, not sticker price. Many schools that look expensive on paper are actually more affordable than your state school once aid is factored in.

Can My School List help me find scholarships I actually qualify for?

Yes. Our Scholarship Finder includes 434 real scholarships filtered by state, category, and award amount. Many are specifically designed for first-generation students, low-income families, or underrepresented communities. You can browse them all for free and start applying today.

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No credit card required. See your school matches, scholarships, and financial aid estimates in minutes.

Take the Free Quiz →Try the Platform Demo