Regional High School Senior Survey.

In order to identify the educational needs and aspirations of graduating high school seniors in the service region of the University of Maine at Augusta, a survey instrument was designed and administered to 1,950 seniors at 19 institutions. In all, 1,744 completed surveys were returned, a 92 percent response rate. The data are sub-grouped into three regional categories by which summary data are reported so that regional differences may be identified. In addition, where appropriate, data from a national survey conducted by the Educational Testing Service are provided for comparative purposes. Findings report demographic characteristics of the survey population, including sex, family size, family income, and employment. The relationship of the variable of "income level" to the variables of "college intending to attend" and to "reasons for not attending college" is examined, along with the respondents' receptiveness to the establishment of a community college in the area. Finally, students indicate specific community college programs which would be of interest to them in the general areas of business administration, health services, human services, liberal arts, and miscellaneous. Data are tabulated, and highlights of the ETS survey used for comparison are appended. (NHM)