Dreaming Big: The Educational Aspirations of Rural First-Generation College Students and How They Prepare for College Success

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Preparing for College

Abstract

This study utilized a social/cultural capital framework to explore the various group differences between rural first-generation college students (FGCS) and non-FGCS who aspire to a college education. Using chi-square analyses and ANOVAs, these two groups were compared to see if there were differences in the degree of educational aspirations held and in their college preparatory behaviors. The study found that rural FGCS aspired to higher levels of education, engaged in test-taking, and utilized various sources of information at lower rates than non-FGCS. No significant differences were found for career exploration and counseling. Findings can provide rural educators with more insight into the educational aspirations and college preparatory behaviors of FGCS. Additional implications to be discussed in the final paper.

Authors

• Nestor Alexis Ramirez, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Judith L. Meece, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Cynthia Demetriou, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill

• Terrell Roderick Morton, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill