The effects of the intensity of racial identity attitudes on predicting college preference for African-American high school seniors

In this study, the effects of the intensity of racial identity attitudes on predicting the college preference, i.e., predominantly White institutions (PWI) or traditionally Black institutions (TBI) of 86 African-American high school seniors were investigated. Only responses of students who desired to attend a college or university and who scored highest at the Internalization stage of racial identity attitudes on the Racial Identity Attitudes Scale- Form B (RIAS-B) were used. A multiple discriminant analysis was performed to predict college preference by using scores received at the Internalization stage on the RIAS-B. The results indicated that the higher the score. the greater the preference to attend either a PWI or a TBI. There was a tendency for those with lower scores to prefer PWI although no statistically significant differences were found. This tendency warrants further examination. Gender was not a good predictor of college preference for this study population. This latter finding was consistent with that of a pilot study conducted by the investigator. Factors affecting college preference for this group were also studied. The availability of financial aid and majors offered at an institution were the most important factors affecting college selection whereas family and friends were found to be least important. Continued research is necessary to explore the intensity of African-Americans' racial identity attitudes and their effects on additional postsecondary variables such as college adjustment, retention, and academic success.