FG students fall short in educational aspirations. They do not have enough support for success once they are in college and do not have enough expectations to pursue higher education during their time in high school.

Rutgers University

- A study on the effects of parental involvement on educational aspirations of first-generation (FG) vs. non-first-generations students (NFG).
   - Studied if there is a difference between educational aspirations and the actual level of education FG students obtained.
   - Studied the level of education among FG students using gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
- The researchers obtained longitudinal data from two samples of 1,879 students from the National Educational Educational Longitudinal Study 1988 - 2000.

The Gap between Educational Aspirations and Attainment for First-Generation College Students and the Role of Parental Involvement

McCarron, G., & Inkelas, G.P. (2006). The Gap between Educational Aspirations and Attainment for First-Generation College Students and the Role of Parental Involvement. Journal of College Student Development, 47, 534 - 549.

- Academic Preparation → FG students are more likely to have lower GPAs and standardized test scores and are less likely to take higher-level classes in high school.
- Racial/Ethnic Demographics → FG students are more likely to be ethnic minorities.
- Socioeconomic Status (SES) → FG students are more likely to be from lower SES homes.
- College Shock → FG students lack knowledge of the college process, campus environment and values, and familiarity with higher education.
- Parental Involvement in the College Process → FG students receives less support and a lower level of importance for college.

Differences Between FG Students and NFG Students

- For NFG students, the best predictor for educational aspirations is parental involvement.
- For FG students, the best predictor for educational aspirations is the perception of the importance of good grades.
   - But, overall, parental involvement is also a good predictor.

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