Over the past 50 years, the student demographic at higher education institutions has become more diverse. In 1971, 10 percent of all freshman students identified as nonwhite, by 2015, this number had increased to 43 percent nonwhite (CITE). Students who are classified as nonwhite identify as African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Native Hawaiians, and Multiracial. Based off these numbers it is clear that minority students have increased enrollment in higher education but, minority students from less socioeconomic backgrounds remain less likely to enter let alone complete higher education. These same students are also less likely to attend highly selective, and selective institutions even if they meet academic requirements. …show more content…
Middle and upper class students and rely heavier on their parent’s own college experiences. This allows the parents to be more proactive and engaged in their child’s college application process. First generation and socioeconomically disadvantaged students often times do not have access to college information and they “cannot rely on their parents to the same extent as they do not have the same knowledge and understanding of the college-going process” (CITE). Having the “availability and access to social and cultural capital” is essential for families when navigating the college application process. The more accurate information that students and their families have about college increases their chances to enroll in higher education. The research in this article proves that having discussions pertaining to college, taking the SAT/ACT and applying for financial aid with their parents or school counselor increases the likelihood that the student regardless of background will attend