Latino college students' transition experiences from a charter high school to college: an ethnography of social preparedness and familial support

The purpose of this qualitative ethnographic case study was to examine first-year, first-generation, low-income Latino college students' social experiences and familial support during their transition from a charter high school to four-year universities. I conducted and recorded one-on-one personal interviews with Latino college students and their parents during the transition from a charter high school to their respective four-year universities. In addition, I observed Latino college students' social interactions with professors and peers while at their respective universities. I transcribed interview recordings and observations, and I used Atlas.ti to develop themes about Latino college students' social experiences and familial support. I found that maintaining communication and building relationships among high school and college peers, high school faculty and staff, and college professors was essential; also, having a supportive family was important during students' transition to college.