On Nov. 14, Greg Cumpton, research associate at the Ray Marshall Center, met with members of the Austin Chamber of Commerce's College Readiness and Enrollment Team to present initial findings from a survey of seniors conducted in spring 2011. The senior surveys consisted of responses from over 6,000 students from ten area high schools. Key findings include: 

• Respondents are mainly going to their counselors to discuss academic performance graduation plans
• Almost 90% of respondents reported taking a college entrance exam before they graduated
• Over half of the respondents reported submitting a financial aid application from January to June of their senior year
• In comparison to the class before them, the 2011 seniors
• More respondents are taking a college entrance exam during their junior year.
• Black, Hispanic and low-income respondents posted the highest percentage point increase, with  more Black and Hispanic respondents reported completed college applications or the Texas Common Application.
• More Black and White respondents reported applying for financial aid.

A copy of the presentation is available at this link.