ABSTRACT
The college choice process is difficult for all students who wish to attend college. The history of racism in the United States has reinforced the inequitable distribution of wealth and limited the economic success of African American communities, which contributes to maintaining under-resourced schools in low-income Black communities and settling for the small percentages of African American students attending college. Colleges and universities need multifaceted approaches to outreach and information dissemination. College-educated parents asked different and specific questions about their child’s choices, and adults in their social networks gave suggestions and advice to help them identify schools and programs fitting their goals. If public institutions want to create greater access and a more positive, welcoming climate for gifted and talented college-bound African American students, there is work to be done. Many times students are making college decisions without having their financial package fully worked out or understood.
