Making sense of the access problem

The issue of access to higher education has become an important concern for individuals, governmental and postsecondary education institutions, as well as society in general. This book is interested in defining new variables that help explain whether or not an individual applies to postsecondary institutions. Prior research has explained differences based on demographic and descriptive variables. While these variables have a significant effect on the decision, they do not completely explain why individuals decide to pursue postsecondary education. This research suggests that how an individual moves through the decision process, as well as how information is interpreted and used will have an effect on the ultimate decision outcome. Dervin s Sense-Making model is adapted here to define the differences in the decision process. The analysis provides new insights into the shortcomings of existing information and using a rational decision making process. The findings should be especially useful to those who produce information about higher education as well as policymakers and institutions who shape access policy and program strategies.