The Predictive Value of a School of Origin Variable in Pharmacy Student Academic Performance

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis project evaluated the predictive capabilities of a school of origin variable over and above the predictive capabilities of a model including pre-pharmacy math/science GPA, PCAT, and prior degree variables. Evaluating 6 years of pharmacy student admission and progression data from 1997 to 2002, the project explored a variable that designated the location where a majority of the pre-pharmacy course work was completed, either a 2-year or 4-year school. The regression models found that a school of origin variable contributed significantly to the predictive model of GPA and PCAT and accounted for more variance than prior degree in the prediction of first-semester and first-year pharmacy-student GPA. Defining a school of origin variable based upon the location of completion of the majority of pre-pharmacy course work aids in the prediction of first-year pharmacy students' academic performance in addition to a traditional model of PCAT and GPA and prior degree.