This study examines the experiences that 10 Latino recent undergraduate students reported having at a large midwestern university. Five persisted through graduation, and five stopped out. Both groups described similar home environments, a lack of social integration, and feelings of academic unpreparedness. Differences among groups were academic difficulties, home-to-school transition, high school segregation, anticipatory socialization, first contact with the university, and education and career goals. The study's implications suggest several approaches to increasing Latino persistence.
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