College Readiness and Academic Preparation for Postsecondary Education: Oral Histories of First-Generation Urban College Students

Reid & Moore, 2008 / Urban Education / March 2008


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This research explored the perceptions and attitudes that first-generation, urban college students have of their preparation for postsecondary education. The purposeful sample comprised 13 first-generation college students (i.e., 6 males and 7 females) who were graduates of the same urban high school. Data collection methods included individual interviews and biographical questionnaires. The themes that emerged—surrounding the students’ perceptions and attitudes of their preparation for postsecondary education—included (a) the preparation during high school that helped with college success and (b) the skills that were lacking for college success. Practical applications for educators (i.e., school counselors, teachers, administrators, and postsecondary educators) are included.

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