Scholarly Commons

Effects of Student Background and Personality on Academic Success, Campus Involvement, and Life Satisfaction in College

Achievement gaps in college indicate that ethnic background and personality factors affect academic performance. It has also been shown that a student's reason for attending a specific university affects their social and academic life. A student's background may also impact their ability to adjust to college life, thus impacting their college experience. This research examines the role of student's ethnic and geographical background and personality on academic success, campus involvement and life satisfaction during college. We believe that students who come from geographical and ethnic backgrounds similar to the environment at their institution will have higher scores of academic success, campus involvement, self-esteem and life satisfaction.