Potholes on the Road to College

Abstract

This article examines the extent to which indicators of the college-going climate of urban high schools are associated with students’ application to, enrollment in, and choice among four-year colleges. The investigators examine two mechanisms by which high schools may shape college enrollment among low-income students in an urban school system: (1) by ensuring whether seniors who aspire to a four-year college degree take the steps to apply to and enroll in a four-year college, and (2) by influencing whether students enroll in colleges with selectivity levels at or above the kinds of colleges they are qualified to attend (a “college match”). We investigate different approaches to measuring college-going climate and develop new indicators. Findings suggest that qualifications and college aspirations will not necessarily translate into four-year college enrollment if urban high schools do not develop organizational norms and structures that guide students effectively through the college application process. Urban students who attend high schools where there is a pattern of four-year college-going, where teachers report high expectations and strong supports for college attendance, and where there is high participation in financial aid application are more likely to plan to attend, apply to, be accepted into, and enroll in a four-year college that matches their qualifications.

Predictors of Bachelor’s Degree Completion among Rural Students at Four-Year Institutions

“…One possible explanation for this finding may be that Hispanic students tend to have the most difficulty managing college enrollment and completion unless additional college guidance and counseling is provided. A recent study of Chicago students showed that while Hispanic students were the least likely to plan to enroll in a four-year college after graduation and the least likely to apply to a four-year college, their college plans and behaviors were more dependent on the expectations of their teachers and counselors and connections with teachers (Roderick et al, 2008). Given the lack of provision of college guidance and counseling in rural schools (Guiffrida, 2008; Provasnik et al, 2007), Hispanic students in rural areas may be particularly disadvantaged in college enrollment and completion.…”

Improving College Enrollment of At-Risk Students at the School Level

“…At-risk students receive less family support when applying to college, lack crucial college knowledge, are less academically prepared, have less information about college life, and are less informed about financial aid (Schneider et al, 2013; Vargas, 2004). On average, at-risk students do not have the same levels of social capital and support as other students, resulting in a deficiency of experience and knowledge related to the college-going process, contributing to lower postsecondary enrollment rates (Roderick, Nagoaka, Coca, & Moeller, 2008). Special programs such as Upward Bound (Upward Bound, 2016), informational resources, financial aid programs, outreach programs, and school counselors are key tools schools use to try to mitigate those factors and help at-risk students achieve their postsecondary goals.…”

“…Services provided by college outreach programs often aim to counteract negative community and school factors such as a weak high school curriculum and low social capital regarding the college-going process. Schools that have a stronger college climate demonstrate the ability to make a difference for students who may be at risk (Roderick et al, 2008). …”

“…Research has consistently shown that risk factors such as low socioeconomic status negatively influence students' access to this kind of information about postsecondary enrollment and experiences, and that limited access constrains students' search, choice, and selection processes (Cabrera & La Nasa, 2000). For example, the college-application process is complex, but it can be a particularly challenging task for at-risk students (Hoxby & Avery, 2012; Roderick et al, 2008). Research indicates that relative to their peers, at-risk students are less likely to receive college-application help from their parents (Choy, 2001; Choy, Horn, Nuñez, & Chen, 2000).…”

Anticipating College Enrollment: Adapting SuccessNavigator® for High School Students

“…Most often, undermatching is not the direct result of a higher education admissions process but is derived from students not submitting an application to a more selective institution in the first place (Dillon & Smith, ). Prior studies have revealed several factors contributing to student undermatch, including a lack of information about application and admission processes, concerns about the affordability of selective colleges, and greater distance between a student's home and selective versus less selective institutions (Avery et al, ; Griffith & Rothstein, ; Hoxby & Avery, ; Roderick, Nagaoka, Coca, & Moeller, ).…”