The extent to which students are well matched with the universities they attend was investigated. The outcome of the choice process was examined with cross-sectional data on students at two private (Northwestern and Chicago) and one public (Northeastern Illinois) Chicago metropolitan area universities. Between and within school variation in…

This sourcebook examines student personnel services with a view to revealing both positive and negative aspects and suggesting improvements. Issues discussed include: the Gestalt of student lives and educational experiences; the problem of relating traditional higher education to non-traditional students; the importance of preparing community…

In an investigation of Australia's declining rate of college bound students, a social psychological model of academic attainment (linking students' social origins to school experiences, perceptions of others' support, self-assessment, and high schools seniors' aspirations and grades) is applied to the processes used by students in adjusting to…

Describes results of a survey of 85 California community college students who transferred to four-year institutions. Students were highly satisfied with their academic preparation but desired more information on the transfer process. Demographic data, ratings of adjustment experiences, and student academic standings are included. Appendix includes…

A study investigated the relationship of role strains, life events stresses, and minority status (Arfican American, Chicano, Latino, or Pillipino) on the psychological and academic adjustment of 163 minority first-year students at a major university. Results confirmed the hypothesis that minority status confers additional stress and is associated…

Interviews with five students with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) at The George Washington University (District of Columbia), their families, and professionals in student disabilities resulted in five clinical vignettes representing a spectrum of ADD students. Six recurring personal issues emerged: self-esteem, family/peer support, stress,…

This final report describes a study which examined how new college students become aware of and involved in the academic and non-academic "learning communities" of the campus; specifically the report examined the social, academic and administrative mechanisms and processes through which students become involved in academic and social…

College student persistence and overall educational attainment were studied, based on data from the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972. Attention was directed to the influence of student socioeconomic status, academic aptitude and preparation, educational goal commitment, college quality/selectivity, college orientation…

An article and descriptions of programs for first-year college students are presented. In "As Freshmen First," John Orr Dwyer recounts the history of the word "freshman" and outlines some of the characteristics of the 1980s first-year student. Recognizing the problems that face students entering college for the first time, he…

Surveys were mailed to 978 former Lane Community College (LCC) students who were enrolled at the University of Oregon during 1975/76 in order to identify their characteristics and transfer concerns. Of those surveyed, 50.8% responded. Results of the study indicated: (1) the majority of LCC transfer students continued their studies in areas related…

A study of 185 undergraduate students withdrawing from a publicly-funded Canadian university compared student characteristics and experiences (demography, academic performance, employment, financial support, social integration, personal circumstances, and perception of university learning experience) for three discipline areas (arts, education,…

A study profiled freshmen with diagnosed learning disabilities at a large, state-supported university. Results are summarized concerning this population's educational aspirations, self-reported study habits and academic weaknesses, decision to attend college, adjustment expectations, anticipated involvement or affiliation with campus groups, study…

This study explores the factors that affect Latino college student experiences in the first year of college and adjustment in the second year of study when many minority students dropout. The study examined data from five primary sources and focused on Latino college students who were semifinalists for a national scholarship award. The National…

Large numbers of foreign students attend United States colleges and universities, and the institutions can play a major role in facilitating the students' adjustment to life in a new culture. The foreign students' most common problems include homesickness, finances, housing and food, English language proficiency, understanding lectures and…

The educational and social adjustment of Irish schoolchildren as they transfer to new schools is explored. The study emphasized problems of students entering secondary schools after completing primary school. Conducted by the Northern Ireland Council for Educational Research, the study encompassed over 3000 children who transferred from primary to…