Increasing the California Latinx Private College Applicant Pool: Understanding the Factors That Influence Latinx College Choice: An Improvement Study

Abstract

This study explores the college choice process and experiences of California Latinx students applying to selective, four-year institutions. The literature review reveals existing disparities in outcomes for California Latinx students attending open-access institutions, highlighting the potential for private, selective colleges to increase proportional representation among this demographic. The hypothesis for this study is that increasing awareness, accessibility, and support for the college choice process among California Latinx students and their families will result in a higher proportional attendance of Latinx students at selective, four-year colleges. The research investigates various factors influencing Latinx student college attendance choices, such as pre-college knowledge, high school institutional agent support, participation in college match programs, understanding financial aid, and family support and expectations. By analyzing data from a selective California liberal arts college, as well as state and national data, the study sheds light on the college discovery and selection process for California Latinx students. To gain deeper insights, the study conducted focus groups and interviews involving 12 undergraduate students and recent graduates, representative of the diverse range of Latinx demographic groups in the state of California. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the diversity within the California Latinx student population and the significant role played by immediate and extended family members in the college decision-making process. Additionally, the results underscore the opportunity for educational institutions to invest in programs and initiatives aimed at familiarizing students and families with the college-going process. Given that California boasts the largest Latinx population in the United States and is the fifth largest economy in the world, increasing the proportional attendance of Latinx students at selective institutions can serve as a powerful tool to address income and wealth gaps, fostering educational equity and expanding opportunities for socioeconomic advancement. Selective institutions, known for higher graduation completion rates compared to open-access institutions, play a crucial role in providing a pathway to higher earning potential for Latinx students and promoting a more equitable future for California.