A Look into the College Readiness Needs of First Time College Students

This study examines the college readiness needs of first year college students based on experiences from students and staff involved with a first year transitional initiative program at Western Kentucky University. The purpose of the study is to share students’ college readiness needs with public school systems in hopes to intervene with these needs before students arrive at college. A total of 45 participants volunteered to be in focus groups, an interview, and complete a survey. Two research questions were proposed: What college readiness needs still exist for first time college students upon entrance to a four year public university? In what ways can understanding college readiness needs inform the work of secondary school educators? The researcher found college readiness needs exist for first time college students in connections, motivation and support, accountability, studying, college expectations, life lessons, academic help, transition to college and belonging. Implications for various school personnel to help students with these needs are provided. Limitations of the study are discussed