Navigating college choice: the influence of parental education, advice source, and anticipated belonging

This study examined how students' anticipated sense of belonging at prospective postsecondary institutions is associated with their parents’ highest level of education, and whether this relationship is moderated by the source of college advice. Data from a diverse sample of high school students in Illinois (N = 234) were analyzed using linear regression models. Results showed parental education alone did not significantly predict students anticipated belonging. Students who relied on formal advice sources (counselors, teachers, mentors) reported significantly higher anticipated belonging at match schools compared to those who received informal advice (family or peers). However, no significant interaction was found between parental education and advice source. Results highlight the importance of formal advising in strengthening students’ academic self-perception and sense of institutional fit. Implications for reducing college undermatch and expanding equitable access to supportive advising networks are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Pittman, Ravon

Contributors dc:contributor

• Khuri ,. Lydia
• Napolitano, Chris
• Ratner ,. Kaylin

• College Choice

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Ravon Pittman

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129967

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129967