How Youth Perceive the Importance of College: A Descriptive Analysis of Information Sources

• In Event: Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Division G Section 2 Poster Session

Abstract

Misperceptions or lack of information about college has important implications for students’ educational aspirations and access to postsecondary education. To date, few studies have investigated how students come to understand the college information they receive. Drawing on data from 312 surveys and 140 interviews with ethnically diverse, low-income middle school youth in one urban school, this study examines how students perceive the importance of college, who students talk to about college, and what messages students report receiving from various information sources. Results indicate that students cite their families more than any other source as providing them information about college. Exploring influences on youths’ future academic goals may help guide schools as they develop programs that support students’ postsecondary pathways.

Authors

• Manuelito Biag, Stanford University

• Juliet Michelsen Wahleithner, University of California - Davis

• Kelsey Krausen, University of California - Davis

• Michal Kurlaender, University of California - Davis