Determining Factors of Academic Self-Concept Among Student Veterans

• In Event: College Identity Development in Students

Abstract

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans have increasingly recognized the importance of a bachelor and graduate degree. In spite of this, only a quarter of veterans 25 and over have a bachelor’s degree or higher. In addition, there is scant research on this underrepresented student population that examines their pre-college characteristics to predict academic abilities and preparation. Using a normative and national sample of 730 veterans, this study examined veterans’ beliefs about their abilities and confidence in academic settings. A significantly high percentage of veterans marked they would need tutoring and remedial support. Moreover, findings reveal that many veterans have low levels of academic preparation and academic self-concept.

Authors

• Jose L. Santos, University of California - Los Angeles

• Dani Molina, University of California - Los Angeles