Perceived Academic Preparedness of First-Generation Latino College Students

Abstract

First-generation Latino college students may be characterized as underprepared for college. Research points to low performance on placement tests. However, students may not perceive themselves as academically underprepared for college. This study explored first-generation Latino students’ perceptions of their academic preparedness. Seven students were interviewed with the following four themes to emerge—personal education planning, guides, academic skills, and personal impetus. Student answers show that they believed they were academically prepared for college.

Estudiantes Latinos universitarios de primera-generación pueden caracterizarse como de preparación baja. Investigaciones señalan baja ejecución en pruebas de colocación. Sin embargo, estudiantes pueden no percibirse como bajos en preparación académica preuniversitaria. Este estudio exploró percepciones de preparación académica de estudiantes Latinos universitarios de primera-generación. Siete estudiantes se entrevistaron con los siguientes cuatro temas que emergieron—planeación educativa personal, guías, habilidad académica, e ímpetu personal. Respuestas de los estudiantes demostraron que ellos creían que estaban preparados académicamente para la universidad.

Keywords

higher education Latina(o)qualitative first generation college readiness underprepared

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