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First-Generation College Students Experiencing The "Sophomore Slump:" The Need For Continued Support, Sarah J. Bacio

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Students navigating their sophomore year can expect to declare a major, narrow their career options, and find their purpose as a college student. Also, during this time students can experience the “Sophomore Slump”, a time where students encounter dissatisfaction, confusion and uncertainty with college. Due to the well documented experiences of first-generation college students, this study examines the experiences of first-generation and continuing-generation students experiencing the “Sophomore Slump.” Through quantitative and qualitative methods occurring over spring and fall 2016 and spring 2017 semesters the results identify areas where first-generation students experience challenges in relation to the “Sophomore Slump” to a …