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Social Networks and Minority Male College Access: The "Tip of the Iceberg" Phenomena

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Urban Education

Published online on

Abstract

Using a qualitative approach, we sought to understand the social networks and decision-making strategies of minority males as they choose to attend a postsecondary institution. Data were obtained from interviews where students self-report perceptions of their college transition process. Our findings suggest that students’ social networks are inefficient, disrupted, and fractured resulting in prominent informational gaps that impacted matriculation decisions. We liken students’ knowledge about the transition to college to a tip of an iceberg; that is, participants only developed a surface-level understanding of the college process. We conclude with implications for policy and practice.