To better understand how to help Latinx students make the transition to college, ACT’s Center for Equity and Learning and Univision held eight focus groups with 44 parents and 50 students in grades 11 and 12. Both students and parents felt that schools were not preparing them well enough for college. Students expressed concern about both academic skills and the college-admission process. Based on these concerns, the report recommends that schools:
- Improve opportunities for students to discuss the transition to college with school counselors or other support staff.
- Provide opportunities for parents to be involved in the college-admission process and have their questions answered.
- Increase access to resources, such as financial aid and free test preparation, for first-generation and minority students.
Source: Heisdorf, S. (2019, September). Breaking down barriers: Understanding Hispanic high school students’ perceptions on the transition to college. Iowa City, IA: ACT.
