Final answer:
Students who were unusually sheltered in high school are particularly likely to experience the first-year adjustment reaction in college, due to the significant shift from a controlled environment to the independence of college life. Hence, option (d) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first-year adjustment reaction is particularly likely to occur among students who were unusually sheltered in high school. When students leave a protected or very controlled environment and face the diverse challenges of college life, they might experience a period of adjustment that is more intense or difficult compared to their peers who had a more balanced or exposed upbringing.
For example, a sheltered student might have had very attentive parents, few responsibilities, and a strict routine, making the new freedom and responsibilities of college life feel overwhelming. This adjustment could impact various aspects of their life, including socialization and academic performance.
According to U.S. cultural expectations, recent high school graduates typically enter college, trade school, or the workforce shortly after graduation and are not required to serve in the military or take a year off. This transition can be a significant shift for someone who is not accustomed to such independence.