Paving the Way to College: The Role of Dispositions and Aspirations

• In Event: 14.045 - Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: 14.045-11 - Revisiting Cultural Capital Discourse in Higher Education

Abstract

What factors influence high school students to go to college after high school graduation and choose a 4-year public, 4-year private not-for-profit or 2-year public institution in the United States? How important are students' dispositions and the aspirations of parents and students in the choice of first post-secondary institution? The analysis is based on 4 cycles (2002-2012) of the Education Longitudinal Survey of 2002. The study contributes to understanding the notions of educational dispositions and aspirations in relation to college choice by adopting a Bourdieusian perspective supported by the use of socio-psychological measures. Study findings show that dispositions and aspirations significantly affect post-school educational behaviors, although students' choices are equally qualified by a variety of socio-demographic and family background factors.

Authors

• Maria Adamuti-Trache, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Rachel Lomax, Irving Independent School District