Degree Name
EdD (Doctor of Education)
Program
Educational Leadership
Date of Award
12-2026
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Dr. Terence Hicks
Committee Members
Jill Channing, Arnold Nyarambi
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative interpretative phenomenological study was to explore how African American high school seniors from urban public schools in Montgomery County, Ohio, perceived their college readiness and how advanced coursework, academic counseling, school leaders and school culture, and their own academic achievement shaped their preparation for college.
The objective was to help African American students from urban high schools view their experiences and college preparation and inform educational leaders about specific areas for improvement. Twelve African American seniors (six female, six male) from two urban public high schools in Dayton and Trotwood, Ohio, who had applied to or been admitted to college for Fall 2026, took part in semi structured Zoom interviews analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: academic challenge and adjustment in advanced coursework, counselor support and access to college information, school culture and a college-like environment, and academic self-confidence and college-going identity.
The results uncovered that students’ perception of college readiness varies among both female and male African American high school seniors. Although students have been introduced to rigorous courses such as honors, AP, or College Credit Plus (CCP) courses, some participants expressed that the experience created negative self-doubt about their ability to succeed in college-level coursework. Also, student interpretation of college readiness was found to be linked to information provided primarily through academic counseling; however, the findings revealed some students either did not seek guidance or were provided inadequate information. The students reported that educational leaders are essential to developing school culture for learning and student development. The relationships that are formed with leaders through trust, respect, and support, produce an atmosphere that students feel creates a fulfilling experience. Also, the findings showed most students identified their family as their primary influence to pursue college, as opposed to their school influencing their decision to attend college. Some students revealed their high school experience led them to consider not furthering their education due to their experience.
Document Type
Dissertation - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Murray, Montay, "Perceptions of College Readiness Among African American High School Students in Urban Areas of Montgomery County in Ohio" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4776. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4776
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
