The 'Geography of Opportunity' in Flyover Country: A College Match Case Study
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| Title: | The 'Geography of Opportunity' in Flyover Country: A College Match Case Study |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sabrina C. Gregersen, Joanna Full, Meghan Ecker-Lyster |
| Source: | Mid-Western Educational Researcher. 2025 37(1). |
| Availability: | Mid-Western Educational Research Association. PO Box 702, Athens, OH 45701. Tel: 740-593-0880; e-mail: mwera.ed@gmail.com; e-mail: mwer1316@gmail.com; Web site: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/mwer/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 23 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | High School Graduates, College Bound Students, College Choice, Academic Aspiration, Geographic Location, Proximity, Educational Opportunities, Academic Ability, Socioeconomic Status, Academic Persistence |
| ISSN: | 1056-3997 2375-7876 |
| Abstract: | In previous studies of college match, specifically undermatching and its far-reaching consequences among traditionally underserved students, students' geographic proximity to postsecondary institutions (particularly those with which they match) has not always received much consideration. As it stands, the scholarly consensus on college match is not representative of students who live far from regions that are rich with college options of all levels. We evaluated the college match outcomes of 334 high school graduates from a public school district in the Midwest that has a relatively low concentration of colleges nearby. We categorized college match using student competitiveness based on GPA and ACT scores and college selectivity based on Barron's Profiles of American Colleges (2017). We found widespread undermatching. Further, results suggested that the geographic proximity of students' college options is associated with their likelihood of undermatching. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Access URL: | https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/mwer/vol37/iss1/13 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1485055 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | In previous studies of college match, specifically undermatching and its far-reaching consequences among traditionally underserved students, students' geographic proximity to postsecondary institutions (particularly those with which they match) has not always received much consideration. As it stands, the scholarly consensus on college match is not representative of students who live far from regions that are rich with college options of all levels. We evaluated the college match outcomes of 334 high school graduates from a public school district in the Midwest that has a relatively low concentration of colleges nearby. We categorized college match using student competitiveness based on GPA and ACT scores and college selectivity based on Barron's Profiles of American Colleges (2017). We found widespread undermatching. Further, results suggested that the geographic proximity of students' college options is associated with their likelihood of undermatching. |
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| ISSN: | 1056-3997 2375-7876 |
