Examining Self-reported Perceptions of Factors Influencing Institutional Selection Among College Students
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
McIntosh Activities Room
Start Date
19-4-2024 12:00 PM
End Date
19-4-2024 12:50 PM
Abstract
With the demographic cliff looming in higher education, the pressures to enroll first year students are increasing substantially. Based on the previous research literature, prospective college students balance a number of factors when deciding where to attend (Galotti & Mark, 1994; Pampaloni, 2010). They are also influenced by family and school staff (e.g., school counselors and coaches) as they come to their decisions (Robinson & Roksa, 2016). Even attributes of the campuses themselves may impact college decision-making, as factors such as the quality of the facilities can play a role in college selection (Price, Matzdorf, Smith, & Agahi, 2003).
We examined college students’ perceptions about why they selected a small Midwestern university for college attendance via a survey. Approximately three hundred students across all grade levels provided information on pre-enrollment experiences, including campus visits and contact with campus representatives, as well as personal reasons for selection (e.g., financial package, program quality, etc.). Initial analyses have identified key factors that were reported to influence college decision-making and students’ perceptions of their utility in making that choice. Additional analyses are planned to better understand how various factors may align in their impact on college selection.
Recommended Citation
Farrell, Aiden; Porter, Carah; Huffman, Clara; Burnett, Lydia; and Johnson, Ann C., "Examining Self-reported Perceptions of Factors Influencing Institutional Selection Among College Students" (2024). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 40.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2024/Posters/40
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Examining Self-reported Perceptions of Factors Influencing Institutional Selection Among College Students
McIntosh Activities Room
With the demographic cliff looming in higher education, the pressures to enroll first year students are increasing substantially. Based on the previous research literature, prospective college students balance a number of factors when deciding where to attend (Galotti & Mark, 1994; Pampaloni, 2010). They are also influenced by family and school staff (e.g., school counselors and coaches) as they come to their decisions (Robinson & Roksa, 2016). Even attributes of the campuses themselves may impact college decision-making, as factors such as the quality of the facilities can play a role in college selection (Price, Matzdorf, Smith, & Agahi, 2003).
We examined college students’ perceptions about why they selected a small Midwestern university for college attendance via a survey. Approximately three hundred students across all grade levels provided information on pre-enrollment experiences, including campus visits and contact with campus representatives, as well as personal reasons for selection (e.g., financial package, program quality, etc.). Initial analyses have identified key factors that were reported to influence college decision-making and students’ perceptions of their utility in making that choice. Additional analyses are planned to better understand how various factors may align in their impact on college selection.