Estudiantes de contextos vulnerables en una universidad de élite

This article presents the findings of a qualitative study of students from vulnerable backgrounds at an elite university, where the student body is characterized by high levels of socioeconomic and cultural homogeneity. Drawing on Dubet's sociology of school experience and Tinto's analysis of student persistence, we studied the experiences of 27 students at the University Higher Technical level. We conclude that factors such as the studentś age, employment status and vision of the future result in different experiences. However, the students share a common determination to make the most of their educational opportunity, which they view as a gateway to a more promising future.