Examining the College Choice Processes of High-Achieving African American Students: A Critical Race Theory Analysis

• In Event: 16.061 - Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: 16.061-2 - Educational Research Using Critical Methods

Abstract

This study employed critical race theory as an interpretive framework to explore the college choice processes of high-achieving University of California African American freshman admits who elected to enroll at other postsecondary institutions. Results revealed that African American students are not attending UC campuses due to concerns about access to the campuses of their choice, campus racial climate, financial aid and scholarship packages, and recruitment efforts of UC officials. These concerns are linked to issues of race and socio-economic status. Bold recommendations to improve the college choice processes of California African American students are discussed.

Authors

• Eddie Comeaux, University of California - Riverside

• Thandeka K. Chapman, University of California - San Diego

• Frances Contreras, University of California - San Diego