High School Student Preparedness for College and Career Goals

• In Event: Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Urban Secondary Student Cultural Capital, Socioeconomic Status, Preparedness, and Career Goals

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to present factors that influenced high school student’s knowledge and influence of choosing, applying for, and expectations of college, referred to as Student Preparedness. High School students planning to attend college, and/or who have intended career choices that require college, have different amounts of knowledge (preparedness) about how to achieve their intended career choices. Preparedness was evaluated against several other salient factors and patterns emerged relative to parental experience and school resources. Outcomes from this research include 1) operationalizing student preparedness using a combination of factors other than academic achievement, 2) the importance of knowing the parental education level and occupation, 3) the importance of college outreach within high schools.

Authors

• Cheryl Carrico, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Holly Marie Matusovich, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Marie Christine Paretti, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University