{"product_id":"unequal-choices-how-social-class-shapes-where-highachieving-students-apply-to-college-9781978827059","title":"Unequal Choices: How Social Class Shapes Where High-Achieving Students Apply to College","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eHigh-achieving students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to end up at less selective institutions due to a lack of application to selective institutions, family upbringing, and personal experiences. This reinforces social inequality, as institutions and families of the middle and upper-middle class work to procure advantages for their children. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 156 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 17 March 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Rutgers University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHigh-achieving students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to end up at less selective institutions compared to their socioeconomically advantaged peers with similar academic qualifications. This is due to a variety of factors, including a lack of awareness of the benefits of attending selective institutions, a lack of access to resources and support, and cultural and societal expectations that prioritize traditional career paths over higher education.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA key reason for this is that few highly able, socioeconomically disadvantaged students apply to selective institutions in the first place. In her book, Unequal Choices, Yang Va Lor examines the college application choices of high-achieving students, looking closely at the ways the larger contexts of family, school, and community influence their decisions. For students today, contexts like high schools and college preparation programs shape the type of colleges that they deem appropriate, while family upbringing and personal experiences influence how far from home students imagine they can apply to college. Additionally, several mechanisms reinforce the reproduction of social inequality, showing how institutions and families of the middle and upper-middle class work to procure advantages by cultivating dispositions among their children for specific types of higher education opportunities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the primary factors contributing to the unequal distribution of college applications among socioeconomically disadvantaged students is a lack of awareness of the benefits of attending selective institutions. Many students from low-income backgrounds may not be aware of the opportunities that selective colleges can provide, such as access to top-notch faculty, specialized research programs, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. As a result, they may be discouraged from applying to these institutions, even if they have the academic qualifications to succeed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother factor that contributes to the unequal distribution of college applications is a lack of access to resources and support. Students from low-income backgrounds may not have access to the same level of counseling and guidance services as their more affluent peers, which can make it difficult for them to navigate the college application process and make informed decisions. Additionally, students from low-income backgrounds may not have the same level of financial resources to support their college applications, such as tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCultural and societal expectations also play a role in the unequal distribution of college applications among socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Many families from low-income backgrounds may prioritize traditional career paths over higher education, believing that it is not necessary or worthwhile to pursue a college degree. Additionally, some cultural beliefs may discourage students from pursuing higher education, such as the belief that it is only for the wealthy or that it is not a viable option for women.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo address these issues and promote greater equity in college applications, it is important to increase awareness of the benefits of attending selective institutions. This can be done through targeted outreach programs, such as college fairs and mentorship programs, that provide students from low-income backgrounds with information about the opportunities that selective colleges can provide. Additionally, schools and communities can work to provide more resources and support to students from low-income backgrounds, such as counseling and guidance services, financial aid, and scholarships.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition, it is important to address cultural and societal expectations that may discourage students from pursuing higher education. This can be done through education and awareness campaigns that promote the value of higher education and challenge cultural beliefs that may be barriers to pursuing a college degree. It is also important to provide support and encouragement to students from low-income backgrounds, such as through mentorship programs and peer support networks, to help them navigate the college application process and achieve their academic goals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFinally, it is important to address the structural barriers that prevent students from low-income backgrounds from accessing selective institutions. This can include policies that promote equity in college admissions, such as affirmative action policies, and programs that provide financial aid and support to students from low-income backgrounds, such as the Pell Grant program. It is also important to address the systemic inequalities that contribute to poverty and inequality, such as income inequality, lack of access to healthcare, and discrimination, to promote greater social mobility and opportunity for all students.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the unequal distribution of college applications among socioeconomically disadvantaged students is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By increasing awareness of the benefits of attending selective institutions, providing more resources and support to students from low-income backgrounds, addressing cultural and societal expectations, and addressing structural barriers, we can work to promote greater equity in college applications and ensure that all students have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 229 x 152 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781978827059\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yang Va Lor","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44160019529978,"sku":"9781978827059","price":108.81,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1680875242364_book.jpg?v=1680985377","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/unequal-choices-how-social-class-shapes-where-highachieving-students-apply-to-college-9781978827059","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}