Full Citation

Title: The Actuation of College Plans: Explaining Why Some Seniors Make it and Others Don't

Citation Type: Conference Paper

Publication Year: 2003

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Abstract: The transition from high school to college has become increasingly important for economic success and mobility in the United States. Most students form definite plans regarding post-secondary schooling by their senior years. Yet, not all seniors who plan to attend college immediately after graduation are successful in achieving that goal. We use information from a longitudinal study of high school seniors to determine the factors that influence their ability to actuate their college plans. Special attention is devoted to racial and ethnic variation in the realization of college plans, and in the possible explanations for such variation. Multivariate binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses reveal an enrollment advantage for Asian students and an enrollment disadvantage for African American students. In addition, Asian students are more likely than whites or blacks to attend two-year schools, while African American students are less likely than whites or Asians to attend four-year schools. Encouragement for a college attendance from parents, teachers, and friends is responsible for the greater likelihood of enrollment among Asians. Weaker high school academic performance appears to explain the disadvantage for African American students. The possibility of a cultural explanation is acknowledged for the greater encouragement enjoyed by Asian students, while alternative mechanisms are suggested for the role of academic performance in the lower likelihood of college actuation for black students.

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Authors: Pharris-Ciurej, Nikolas; Tolnay, Stewart E.

Conference Name: University of Washington's Workshop on "The UW Beyond High in Washington State Project"

Publisher Location: Seattle, WA

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Education, Race and Ethnicity

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