What is the link between an early university entry offer and the academic and personal wellbeing outcomes of students in their final year of school?

Abstract

There has been growth in the number of final year school students applying for an offer of a place at university prior to completing their last year of school. This study investigated the role of early entry offer status in 1512 final year (Year 12) Australian students' academic performance—and also in a sub-sample's (n = 525) self-reported academic motivation and engagement, academic stress responses, and personal wellbeing. We found no significant effects on final year performance, academic motivation and engagement, or personal wellbeing as a function of early entry offer status—thus, most final year school outcomes were accounted for by factors unrelated to a student's early entry offer status. However, there was a small but significant positive effect for academic buoyancy among students who had applied for and received an early entry offer—thus, in part assisting their capacity to navigate academic challenge.