What Did They Consider? Latina/o/x Students' College Choice at the Onset of COVID-19

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Thirteen
  In Roundtable Session: Beyond Representation: Exploring the Intersectional Latinx Student Experience (Table 3)

Abstract

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown coincided with the fall 2020 admissions season. This historic moment added substantial uncertainty for many students, particularly those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, such as Latinx/a/o students. Our study explores what factors influenced Latinx/a/o admits to enroll into a selective four-year university for fall 2020. Through interviews with 20 students, our findings uncover how a sense of community, proximity to home, financial aid, and COVID-19 concerns shaped their enrollment. As uncertainties surrounding the pandemic remain and/or have had enduring impacts on many students and families, it is important to consider how students made decisions about college enrollment during this time to inform future practice and research.

Authors

• Marcela G. Cuellar, University of California - Davis
  Presenting Author

• Natalia Deeb-Sossa
  Non-Presenting Author

• Gaby Perez, University of California - Davis
  Presenting Author

• Mayra Nuñez Martinez, University of California - Davis
  Non-Presenting Author

• Blas Guerrero, Samuel Merritt University
  Non-Presenting Author