The purpose of this study was to find out more about the college choice process of minority high school seniors. The research questions were (1) Do minority high school seniors consider important the same college attributes that the literature of college choice suggests? (2) Do minority students consider important other aspects of colleges, such as those attributes suggested in the college climate and retention literature as influential in the college success of minority students?
The population of the study included 1155 Southeastern Massachusetts high school seniors segmented into five sub-groups: Asian, black, Cape Verdean, Hispanic, and white. Data were obtained from two questionnaires administered in January and May, 1993 in all high school English classes. The results were compared with the college choice literature. In addition, the results were analyzed in relation to the college climate attributes of social opportunities, curriculum, campus diversity, and academic support.
The conclusions included the following: (1) Not all sub-groups are the same. There were significant differences between black and Cape Verdean sub-groups and among all sub-groups. (2) Geographical proximity is a factor. (3) Financial aid and academic support supersede academic reputation. (4) Models of college choice need to be modified to include student location and deferred application. (5) Mother is a primary influence on college as identified by all sub-groups.
Recommendations for institutional responses are based on these conclusions.
