Transition to Higher Education: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate characteristics of empirical research that focuses on transition from high school to college. We conducted a systematic literature review in databases. A total of 2.133 papers were identified. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final sample was composed by 23 papers, which were analyzed through the categories: transition to college definition, study design, study objective, participants' characteristics and main results. Most articles only described changes or challenges faced by students, without properly explaining a transition model. The most used study design was quantitative and longitudinal, comparing variables over time. In general, participants were young people in their first year as an undergraduate, with average age between 17 and 19 years old. In general, transition from high school to college is surrounded by individual and contextual factors that can influence students positively (good sleep habits, social and family support) or negatively (e.g. racial discrimination and low levels of resilience). The scarcity of Brazilian studies denotes the need to develop research with this population, in order to enable interventions aimed at these students.