Failure, withdrawals, and retakes in intermediate microeconomics

Abstract

Using data from 11 institutions, the authors investigate enrollments in intermediate microeconomics to determine characteristics of successful and unsuccessful students and follow the retake behavior of unsuccessful students. Successful students are significantly different from unsuccessful ones, and unsuccessful students differ by type (unsuccessful completers vs. withdrawers). Aptitude is a strong predictor of success but not of retake. Having taken or concurrently taking intermediate macro reduces the likelihood of withdrawal and increases that of retake. Proficiency in calculus reduces the likelihood of unsuccessful completion but is uncorrelated with withdrawal and retake. Predictors of unsuccessful completion, withdrawal, and retake are similar in direction and significance for males and females, although magnitudes differ. URM students are more likely than white and Asian students to earn less than a C−.