At least one in three undergraduates attends more than one college, but we know little about how students decide to transfer. Most studies about transfer are retrospective, quantitative, and/or restricted to students who complete a transfer, thus missing the process through which students reach transfer decisions. In contrast, this mixed methods, longitudinal study prospectively examines a cohort of students across multiple colleges and universities over time. Based on data from more than 200 interviews with 50 students from low-income Wisconsin families, we find that about half of students consider transferring, but a substantial percentage ultimately decide to persist at their initial institution. Other studies have ignored the deliberation process—and existence—of this group. For all students who consider transfer, we illuminate a process of discussion and reflection that is shaped by social class and social capital.
Making Sense of Transitions: An Examination of Transfer among Economically Disadvantaged Undergraduates (2015)
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