How to Launch a Teen: What Came Before

Researchers have identified interesting relationships between the educational achievements of young people and those of their parents. 

• High school students whose parents achieved a university degree are more likely to plan to university themselves (97% versus 86%). 
• High school students whose parents achieved a university degree are morely likely to actually enroll at a 4-year college (87% versus 65%).
• High school students whose parents achieved a university degree are more likely to remain at university after the first year of study (23% versus 10%).
• High school students whose parents achieved a university degree are more likely to remain at university after 3 years of study (83% whose parents had advanced degrees and 67% whose parents had a bachelor's degree versus 52% of those whose parents did not go to college).
• Five years after leaving high school, those whose parents had university degrees were more likely to have university degrees themselves.
• Students whose parents did not have university degrees are less likely to enter graduate school or a professional degree program (34% versus 25%).

Parents who have a university degree are more likely to expect their children to attend university.  These parents are involved in their children's course selection during high school and enlist school support in preparing their children academically for university study.  Another factor that contributes to more children of university-educated parents also attending university is the assistance with planning these young people receive, including assistance with applications and school visits.