Big fish in a big pond: Peer effects on university students’ academic self-concept

Abstract

The big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE) has been proved by numerous studies. However, few researchers have focused on university students, particularly gifted students in elite universities (big fish in the big pond). This study adopted a two-level linear model to discuss the BFLPE on talented students in an elite university through a longitudinal survey involving two waves ( n = 1073). The results indicated that peer achievements had negative effects on the ASC of competent students in the elite university. Additionally, student–faculty interactions and university support had remarkable effects on ASC, despite students’ personal achievements. This study contributes toward enriching the BFLPE research framework and encouraging more researchers to focus on university students’ ASC, not limited to intelligent students in elite universities. Furthermore, the study provides an example of minimal research for building hierarchical linear models. Finally, the findings of the study can help elite students build a positive ASC in elite universities.