Reimagining College Readiness: Perspectives of First-Generation College Students

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring College Access Programs and Supports for Minoritized and Marginalized Students (Table 25)

Abstract

This study explores first-generation students' perceptions of college readiness in comparison to existing frameworks. The prevailing college readiness framework, shaped by Conley's (2012) work, lacks explicit co-construction with students. Thus, this research seeks to co-construct operational definitions of college readiness. Five first-generation students engaged in focus groups using an interview protocol adapted from Patterson (2018). Data analysis utilized inductive and deductive coding, revealing five major themes linked to existing frameworks. Findings bear implications for education policy, notably in admissions and college prep programs.

Authors

• Frances J. Barkley, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Hannah M. Kuneyl, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign