The Relationship Between Prematriculation College Knowledge and Disillusionment: Was College What Students Expected?

Abstract

Disillusioned students are at risk for dropping out. This study examined the relationship between prematriculation college understanding and freshman students' unrealized expectations. A knowledge measure was created to assess preen-rolled students' understanding of the academic, social, and environmental conditions of postsecondary institutions. Though levels of college knowledge were expected to be associated with lesser college disillusionment, the data revealed a complex relationship. Community college students with high levels of knowledge about community colleges were less disillusioned than those with less understanding. Similar relationships were not found for students attending public or private 4-year universities. Implications for academic advisors are discussed.