Peer Effects on College Choice: Evidence From Affirmative Action in China

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring International Student Outcomes and Global Contexts in Higher Education (Table 26)

Abstract

Social networks are considered an effective way to bridge information gaps among individuals and significantly influence decision-making processes. This research examines the influence of peer applications and admissions to an affirmative action program, which aims to support ethnic minority students in China, on potential applicants. Using administrative data on students' college applications and admissions in Ningxia, we find that younger ethnic minority students who interact with successful program participants are more likely to apply for and be accepted into the program. This research sheds light on the significant role peers play in shaping higher education decisions for disadvantaged students, offering implications for enhancing the participation of disadvantaged groups in public programs and reducing educational disparities in higher education.

Authors

• Mengying Peng, Hitotsubashi University

• Xiaoyang Ye, Brown University