High School GPA Research Articles

Interest–Major Fit predicts study satisfaction and/or achievement? Comparing different ways of assessment

ABSTRACT Prospective students and higher educational institutions often share the matching goal to ensure an optimal fit between the demands of study programs and the student profile. A strong personal fit is meant to facilitate long-term study satisfaction and optimal performance. However, to truly understand the impact of such a fit, we must first reach a consensus on how to measure the construct. At this point, researchers and higher education practitioners are debating different avenues in this regard: In the past, the fit has often been measured by assessing vocational interests tied to potential occupations that are attainable through a study program (Interest–Vocation Fit). Here, we argue that more specific measures tailored to the respective major (Interest–Major Fit) have more predictive power. We compare the two operationalizations of fit as predictors of performance and study satisfaction in a sample of 455 German university students who participated in a longitudinal survey study. We found that the different measures of personal fit were associated with subsequent university GPA and study satisfaction. Moreover, we found that Interest–Major Fit was more closely associated with these outcome measures compared to Interest–Vocation Fit. We also found that only Interest–Major Fit has incremental predictive power for study satisfaction beyond high school GPA. These findings should be helpful to researchers interested in the intricacies of measuring fit and higher education practitioners aiming to develop diagnostic tools alike. Such tools may in turn assist prospective students in finding the major that caters best to their personal needs and interests.

Ready, Set, Launch Baseline Academic Outcomes for Students Participating in Dual Enrollment for Equitable Completion Partnerships Compared to Their Peers, 2015 – 2020

The opportunity to complete college coursework during high school has been associated with positive secondary and postsecondary academic outcomes. Students who complete these courses report inspiration to complete high school, new knowledge and skills related to persisting, confidence, and an increased readiness to succeed in postsecondary coursework. Numerous studies have highlighted how dual enrollment access and success for historically underrepresented students on college campuses is necessary and, in some cases, fruitful in increasing equitable representation, access to, and success in postsecondary education. This study presents the high school and college outcomes for students participating in dual enrollment programming offered by ten California K12 and community college partnerships compared to a group of non-dually enrolled peers. Findings suggest that before the launch of a three-year initiative, first-generation, African American/Black, and Hispanic/Latina/o/x students from these selected partnerships who complete college coursework were more likely to graduate high school, have higher high school GPAs, and were more likely to persist, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, and succeed in their first-year college coursework.

Do Motivated Classmates Matter for Educational Success?

Abstract I provide evidence of social spillovers of personality by showing that being in class with motivated peers affects educational success. I first document that academic motivation, a key aspect of personality in the context of education, predicts own achievement, classroom behaviour, the high school grade point average and college-test taking among elementary school students. Exploiting random assignment of students to classes, I then show that exposure to motivated classmates causally affects achievement, an effect that operates over and above spillovers of classmates’ past achievement and socio-demographic composition. However, peer motivation in elementary school does not affect own motivation and long-term educational success.

How to select candidates for an undergraduate degree in psychology? Combining high-school GPA and admission test score

AbstractThe current study investigated whether the grade point average (GPA) of high school courses and the score on the test for admission to a bachelor’s degree in Psychology—assessing logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and general knowledge—can predict student academic success (AS) and to what extent. Archival data from 5147 candidates (82.4% female) collected over six years (2010–2016) were used. For 2559 of these, indicators of AS (graduation marks, average weighted marks, completion of the degree on time, and dropout) were also available. A series of hierarchical regressions were performed, in which the high school GPA was included as the first predictor, and the scores of the three sections of the admission test were included as the second set of predictors. Findings indicated high school GPA as the best predictor of AS. However, admission test scores predicted a portion of AS that the high school GPA was not able to account for. This result indicates that the administration of the admission test, which evaluates logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and general knowledge, can add relevant information to the high school GPA, thus increasing the efficacy in the selection of candidates, who can have the best chance to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Exploring underlying factors for variations in digital upskilling

This study aims to analyse the impact of demographic and educational factors on in digital upskilling. We address the relationship between digital skills, critical thinking skills and the student learning experience in courses with embedded upskilling programs. Statistical analysis and exploratory research are used to analyse the data collected by the digital fitness app developed by a global company leading digital talent transformation. Our research identified the following demographic indicators that have influenced individuals’ digital upskilling: Gender, Race, Residency, Pell-eligibility, Age, in addition to six academic indicators including department, major, class level, first-time freshman, High School GPA and ACT score. Discussion of findings and future research directions would lead to novel research articles focusing on longitudinal studies to assess digital skills. Also, this study shows the need for a new assessment tool to expand the scope and the sample size of the study. This article provides a valuable guidance for policy makers, higher-education institutions, educators, students, and employers, who are looking for digital talent or skill sets needed for digital transformation. The main contribution lays in data collection and analysis. This is the first study using a globally accepted digital talent assessment tool to collect data at a minority serving institution.

Nutrition Knowledge, Food Insecurity, and Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Underserved College Students

An online, cross-sectional survey examined food insecurity, adverse childhood experiences, academics, health status, dieting, and associations with nutrition knowledge among 83 freshmen Educational Opportunity Program university students in California. Mean (SD) nutrition knowledge was 13.6 (5.0) out of a perfect score of 29. Most students (84%) reported being food secure. The median adverse childhood experiences score was 1.00 (interquartile range, 0.00-3.00), an indication of intermediate risk for toxic stress, and the mean (SD) high school grade point average was 3.62 (0.38) out of 4. More adverse childhood experiences were associated with higher nutrition knowledge (P = .005). High school grade point average predicted nutrition knowledge (P = .003). The results may be helpful in designing larger, more representative studies of the Educational Opportunity Program population and finding helpful interventions.

The Value of a High School GPA

Abstract This paper provides novel evidence on the causal effect of high school Grade Point Average (GPA) on the human capital development and labor market trajectory of individuals. Causal identification is achieved by exploiting a unique feature of the Norwegian education system that produces exogenous variation in GPA among high school students. We find little effect on the number of completed years of higher education, but significant effects on the number and quality of higher education programs available to students after high school. Most importantly, we find persistent effects on students' long-run labor market outcomes, most notably market wage.

Exam evaluation in prosthodontics across preclinical and clinical years from students' perspective: A cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to explore the students' perceptions and performance in prosthodontics theory exam. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 560 (80.82%) students of different levels (third, fourth and fifth years) to explore their opinions and performance with regard to a number of issues on a prosthodontics theory exam (exam evaluation, exam preparation, exam material, exam timing). Demographic data were also collected. Descriptive statistics were generated and Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, ANOVA test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to examine the associations between different variables. The significance level was set at p < .05. Students' responses regarding exam evaluation was influenced by their gender, study level, high-school Grade Point Average (GPA) and undergraduate cumulative GPA. Perceived exam difficulty was significantly affected by gender (p = .03) and study level (p < .001), and negatively correlated to both high-school GPA (p < .001) and university GPA (p = .03). The vast majority (88.2%) depended on lecture hand-outs and lecture notes for study. Exam material and preparation were not significantly affected by any of the demographic variables with most respondents (76.8%) thinking that the lectures blended with prosthodontics laboratories/clinics would improve their understanding of the exam material. The suggested best time to conduct the exam was early afternoon (31.6%). Student performance was significantly affected by the study level (p < .001) and cumulative GPA (p < .001) with significant positive correlation between the high-school GPA and the mark in the exam (r = .29, p < .001) and by the amount of time students spent for exam preparation (p < .001). Those students who reported using textbooks to prepare for the exam got significantly higher marks (66.1 ± 8.7) compared to the students who did not (62.8 ± 9.7) (p = .03). Course level, GPA and gender were identified as the most influential factors in different aspects of exam evaluation and students' performance. Regular study and use of textbooks were demonstrated to improve academic performance. Additional orientation and guidance relating to the exam (especially for third year students) would be welcomed, as would alternate teaching methods such as small group discussions or study groups.

Decomposing High-School GPA as a Predictor of First-Year GPA

ABSTRACT Despite lack of standardization, high school grade-point average (HSGPA) is frequently the best single predictor of first-year postsecondary GPA (FYGPA). This study evaluated the extent to which HSGPA reflected standardized test scores, social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies, demographics, and high-school characteristics. Dominance analysis indicated that the variance in HSGPA accounted for by the available predictors reflected mainly academic achievement, followed by SEL, student demographics, and school characteristics. In structural equation models to predict FYGPA, HSGPA accounted for some of the predictive power of achievement test scores, SEL, demographics, and high-school characteristics. Overall, results were consistent with the interpretation of HSGPA as a measure of much more than knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. The predictive value of HSGPA likely arises from similarity in the degrees to which HSGPA and FYGPA reflect a combination of academic achievement, SEL, and other personal and school characteristics.

Assessing Atlanta’s Placed-Based College Scholarship

We investigate whether and how Achieve Atlanta’s college scholarship and associated services impact college enrollment, persistence, and graduation among Atlanta Public School graduates experiencing low household income. Qualifying for the scholarship of up to $5,000 per year does not meaningfully change college enrollment among those near the high school GPA eligibility thresholds. However, scholarship receipt does have large and statistically significant effects on early college persistence (i.e., 14%) that continue through BA degree completion within 4 years (22%), although scholarship receipt does not impact graduation from 2-year colleges. We discuss how the selection criteria and processes of place-based programs intended for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds may influence results for different types of students.

Use of machine learning to assess factors affecting progression, retention, and graduation in first-year health professions students in Qatar: a longitudinal study

BackgroundAcross higher education, student retention, progression, and graduation are considered essential elements of students’ academic success. However, there is scarce literature analyzing these attributes across health professions education. The current study aims to explore rates of student retention, progression, and graduation across five colleges of the Health Cluster at Qatar University, and identify predictive factors.MethodsSecondary longitudinal data for students enrolled at the Health Cluster between 2015 and 2021 were subject to descriptive statistics to obtain retention, progression and graduation rates. The importance of student demographic and academic variables in predicting retention, progression, or graduation was determined by a predictive model using XGBoost, after preparation and feature engineering. A predictive model was constructed, in which weak decision tree models were combined to capture the relationships between the initial predictors and student outcomes. A feature importance score for each predictor was estimated; features that had higher scores were indicative of higher influence on student retention, progression, or graduation.ResultsA total of 88% of the studied cohorts were female Qatari students. The rates of retention and progression across the studied period showed variable distribution, and the majority of students graduated from health colleges within a timeframe of 4–7 years. The first academic year performance, followed by high school GPA, were factors that respectively ranked first and second in importance in predicting retention, progression, and graduation of health majors students. The health college ranked third in importance affecting retention and graduation and fifth regarding progression. The remaining factors including nationality, gender, and whether students were enrolled in a common first year experience for all colleges, had lower predictive importance.ConclusionsStudent retention, progression, and graduation at Qatar University Health Cluster is complex and multifactorial. First year performance and secondary education before college are important in predicting progress in health majors after the first year of university study. Efforts to increase retention, progression, and graduation rates should include academic advising, student support, engagement and communication. Machine learning-based predictive algorithms remain a useful tool that can be precisely leveraged to identify key variables affecting health professions students’ performance.

The Effects of Charter High Schools on Academic Achievement and College Enrollment: Evidence from Los Angeles

Abstract This paper estimates the causal effects of enrollment in one of five oversubscribed high-quality Los Angeles charter schools using a lottery design. Enrolling in a charter school increased eleventh-grade standardized test scores and enrollment and persistence in four-year colleges substantially, but had no effect on high school GPA. Charter students took more advanced coursework, were less likely to skip class, were more likely to apply to a four-year college, and reported more teacher support for college-going. The increase in four-year persistence appears to be driven by more enrollment and persistence in University of California campuses, which have higher graduation rates than the likely alternatives. This suggests that the effects of charter schools could depend on the availability of high graduation rate colleges.

Psychosocial Readiness for College: A Multidimensional Model and Measure for Students Entering College in Their Twenties

Dropping out of college is often linked to insufficient academic or psychosocial readiness. Therefore, assessing students’ readiness, preferably before they begin their first year of college, may help identify those at risk of dropping out. The present study aimed to develop and test a multidimensional measure that assesses psychosocial factors promoting student persistence. The Psychosocial Readiness for College questionnaire (PRCq) aims to assess the readiness of students who have deferred entering college to their twenties and comprises six dimensions: Academic Self-Efficacy, Educational Commitment, Social Comfort, Campus Engagement, Self-Discipline, and Resilience. The PRCq was administered to five cohorts of first-year college students in Israel ( N = 7,382). The PRCq demonstrated good psychometric properties, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported its six dimensions. The PRCq demonstrated measurement invariance across age, gender, SES, first vs. non-first-generation students, and institution type. The PRCq’s construct validity was supported by the negligible associations between the scale scores and high-school GPA and pre-college scholastic aptitude test, and the pattern of associations with the Big-5 personality factors. The PRCq’s predictive validity was supported by the student dropout rate after one year. Implications for students at risk of dropping out and interventions to decrease this risk are discussed.

Predictors of English Medium Instruction academic success in Vietnamese Higher Education

Abstract Recent research has investigated predictors of English Medium Instruction (EMI) academic success in Higher Education in various contexts; however, mixed findings have been reported, and empirical research in emerging contexts like Vietnam is relatively scarce. In addition, little is known about the associations between tertiary EMI outcome, gender, and high school performance. To fill these research gaps, the present study was conducted to explore the roles of gender, high school grades, English language proficiency and vocabulary knowledge (both receptive and productive knowledge) in Vietnamese tertiary EMI academic achievement. To this end, 78 Vietnamese undergraduates majoring in business studies participated in the study. The participants took the Vocabulary Levels Test (Schmitt et al. 2001) and Productive Vocabulary Levels Test (Laufer and Nation 1999) to measure their receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge. Their English language proficiency test scores, EMI course grades, and high school grade point average (GPA) were also collected for data analysis. Simple linear regression analyses revealed that high school GPA, English language proficiency together with both receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge significantly predicted EMI academic outcome while gender did not. The results are discussed with implications for EMI in Higher Education.

Predictors of academic motivation in the first year of college

Using data from the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education, we analyzed whether certain precollege characteristics and experiences predicted students’ academic motivation when entering their first year of college. Results indicated that some precollege experiences positively predicted students’ academic motivation at the start of college, including certain minoritized identities, such as holding non-U.S. citizenship status, being a first-generation student, and being low-income; as well as higher measures of academic achievement and engagement, such as a higher high school GPA, a higher frequency of participation in high school extracurriculars, and a higher frequency of interacting with teachers. Conversely, higher ACT/SAT scores and higher reported frequency of socializing with friends negatively predicted students’ precollege levels of academic motivation. Implications for institutions of higher education, including faculty staff, as well as for high school guidance counselors, are considered.

Social and Emotional Skills Predict Postsecondary Enrollment and Retention.

Social and emotional (SE) skills are known to be linked to important life outcomes, many of which fall into the academic domain. For example, meta-analytic data show that the skill of Sustaining Effort is nearly or just as important for academic performance as intelligence. In a recent study with long-term tracking of high school students, those who came from schools with a strong emphasis on SE skill development were more likely to enroll in college within two years of high school graduation. Longitudinal studies like this one are rare, however. The focus of the present study is on the SE skills of 6662 students assessed during high school and their relationship with high school academic performance, standardized college admissions test performance, and ultimately postsecondary enrollment and retention. We examined mean-level differences in household income, high school GPA, ACT Composite scores, and SE skills by college enrollment and retention status and found several significant differences, often favoring the enrolled or retained group. Moreover, we found support for the incremental validity of SE skills as they predicted enrollment and retention above household income, high school GPA, and ACT scores. Understanding SE skills' effects on later academic outcomes is important to help inform early SE skill intervention and development efforts in secondary and postsecondary settings. Additional implications and future directions are discussed.

High School GPA But Not Neurocognitive Test Performance Differs By Concussion History

High School GPA But Not Neurocognitive Test Performance Differs By Concussion History

Post-Reform Placement and Writing Proficiency in Community College Transfer-Level Composition Courses

Objective: Extensive reform has been implemented in community colleges across the nation to help expedite the attainment of students’ academic goals of degree completion and transfer to 4-year institutions. Reform at the institution in this study resulted in replacement of the college writing placement exam and the precollegiate course sequence with an online assessment questionnaire by which students were provided with an automated recommendation based on their high school records to enroll into one of two versions of the transfer-level composition course, either with or without a support course. Examined are: (1) whether students who need the most writing support are effectively positioning themselves to receive it; and (2) whether the new placement policy improves students’ chances for college success while examining its impact on specific student subgroups. Method: An analytic writing assessment and survey were administered to students. Compared are students’ scores on the assessment, their self-reported high-school GPA, and their final course grades. Results: Findings show: (1) no significant differences in academic writing proficiency between students enrolled in the two course types; (2) students mostly followed the college’s recommendation for enrollment based on their high school GPA, which is found to be weakly related to their measured levels of writing proficiency; and (3) generally high course pass rates of students at all levels of proficiency. Contribution: This study generates data that can help inform policy and practice in community colleges and clarify ways to best support students in composition toward achieving their academic goals of degree attainment and transfer.

Predicting Success: An Examination of the Predictive Validity of a Measure of Motivational-Developmental Dimensions in College Admissions.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented number of higher education institutions adopted test-optional admissions policies. The proliferation of these policies and the criticism of standardized admissions tests as unreliable predictors of applicants' postsecondary educational promise have prompted the reimagining of evaluative methodologies in college admissions. However, few institutions have designed and implemented new measures of applicants' potential for success, rather opting to redistribute the weight given to other variables such as high school course grades and high school GPA. We use multiple regression to investigate the predictive validity of a measure of non-cognitive, motivational-developmental dimensions implemented as part of a test-optional admissions policy at a large urban research university in the United States. The measure, composed of four short-answer essay questions, was developed based on the social-cognitive motivational and developmental-constructivist perspectives. Our findings suggest that scores derived from the measure make a statistically significant but small contribution to the prediction of undergraduate GPA and 4-year bachelor's degree completion. We also find that the measure does not make a statistically significant nor practical contribution to the prediction of 5-year graduation.

Course Placement for Non-Traditional Community College Students

ABSTRACT Community colleges often employ measures to determine student course placement. Though much research has examined the predictive validity of placement measures such as ACT or high-school GPA, little research examines the effects of students’ traditional and non-traditional status. Using data from a rural state community college, we examined the predictability of high-school GPA and ACT scores on college GPA and passing math and English courses. The results confirm previous research that finds high-school GPA to predict better than other placement measures. The results from the analyses of traditional and non-traditional students add to the placement literature by suggesting that the number of years between high-school graduation and community college attendance also affects overall success. This signifies that the number of years since a student graduated high school should be factored into placement decisions.