Prospective University Students Research Articles

Conditions for higher education study: the perspectives of prospective students from rural areas

ABSTRACT Background Access to higher education in rural areas has been a recurring theme of debates and government inquiries in many countries in recent decades. Previous research is relatively unequivocal regarding the importance of higher education for regional or national development, identifying the local presence of highly educated individuals in a municipality as crucial for its prosperity and development. Purpose This study aims to contribute to the development of scientific knowledge regarding linguistic discursive representations by rurally located prospective university students in Sweden, of the conditions for further study at university level. Method A total of 23 qualitative interviews and/or discussion groups were held with 34 prospective university students in three rural municipalities in Sweden. Data were collected and analysed to answer the research question: How do prospective university students in rural areas describe the conditions for further study at the university level? Findings Prospective university students created and reproduced a series of linguistic representations in two discursive categories: (1) proximity/distance to study; and (2) education offerings. In the first category, narratives related to the physical distance to study; commuting by public transport or private car; and moving to the home city of a higher education institution. In the second category, narratives focused around the importance of location; remote learning; and doubts about pursuing higher education and/or making the right choice. Conclusion Linguistic representations in both categories were tense, balancing depictions of conflict and consensus. This balancing act represents a linguistic means of creating and re-creating cohesion, involvement, integration, participation, unity, and normality in the discourse and can be interpreted as a form of social pedagogical recognition that is important for the individual’s success in the context that the narratives reflect.

Exploring Sleep Duration and Insomnia Among Prospective University Students: A Study with Geographical Data and Machine Learning Techniques.

Sleep disruptions among prospective university students are increasingly recognized for their potential ramifications on academic achievement and psychological well-being. But, information regarding sleep issues among students preparing for university entrance exams is unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with sleep duration and insomnia among university entrance test-takers in Bangladesh, utilizing both traditional statistical analyses and advanced geographic information system and machine learning techniques for enhanced predictive capability. A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2023 among 1496 entrance test-takers at Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka. Structured questionnaires collected data on demographics, academic information, and mental health assessments. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS, while machine learning models were applied using Python and Google Colab. Approximately 62.9% of participants reported abnormal sleep duration (<7 hours/night or >9 hours/night), with 25.5% experiencing insomnia. Females and those dissatisfied with mock tests were more likely to report abnormal sleep duration, while repeat test-takers, those with unsatisfactory mock test results, or anxiety symptoms had a higher risk of insomnia. Machine learning identified satisfaction with previous mock tests as the most significant predictor of sleep disturbances, while higher secondary school certificate GPA had the least influence. The CatBoost model achieved maximum accuracy rates of 61.27% and 73.46%, respectively, for predicting sleep duration and insomnia, with low log loss values indicating robust predictive performance. Geographic analysis revealed regional variations in sleep disturbances, with higher insomnia prevalence in some southern districts and abnormal sleep duration in northern and eastern districts. Sleep disturbances are prevalent among prospective university students and are associated with various factors including gender, test-taking status, mock test satisfaction, and anxiety. Targeted interventions, including sleep education and psychological support, hold promise in ameliorating sleep health and overall well-being among students, potentially enhancing entrance test performance.

A higher education marketing perspective on choice factors and sources of information considered by prospective first-year students in Botswana

The increasing nature of competition in the higher education sector of Botswana means that universities need to craft strategies to be more competitive. The recipe for competitiveness is primarily hinged on the ability of institutions to be cognisant of the factors that influence prospective learners in selecting a university of choice to study. They also critically need to know the sources of information where prospective learners acquire information to redirect their marketing strategies. To achieve these objectives, the purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the choice of university of study as well as their sources of information in influencing choice decision-making. The study followed a qualitative research approach and data was collected using in-depth interviews. Thematic narrative analysis was used to unpack the underlying influences on decision-making. The findings indicate that prospective students get their information from multiple factors. The most influential sources identified are family and friends, career fairs and exhibitions, social media, and to a lesser extent the mass media and promotional materials. The findings also showed that prospective university students’ choice of university is influenced by a variety of factors. These include university location, availability of accommodation, perceptions of university reputation, quality of academic programs, alignment of lifelong interests and desires, and the perception of employability. There are other factors that are less influential as degree of persuasion, funding issues, costs associated with applications as well as government processes and procedures. These findings have potential to influence university marketing strategies and policies in seeking competitiveness and improvement in enrolment numbers.

Tabletop Escape Room Activities for Engaging Outreach in Engineering—A Preliminary Approach

Student outreach activities are conducted by many engineering faculties to provide a positive experience of engineering for as many potential future students as possible. In this paper, we present the activities we designed for our University Open Days, leveraging a tabletop version of an immensely popular game concept called escape rooms. We describe our design of three puzzles to be completed in under half an hour, based on gears, circuits and ciphers, and programmed their solutions into our physical hardware decoder box. A relatively small sample of Open Day attendees, mostly prospective university students, played our escape room puzzles. Participants were then invited to fill in a short questionnaire, results revealing encouraging levels of engagement with these activities.

EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Science Fiction to Teach Reading &amp; Writing

EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Science Fiction to Teach Reading &amp; Writing

Exploring mental health literacy among prospective university students using GIS techniques in Bangladesh: an exploratory study.

Prospective university students experience substantial academic stressors and psychological vulnerabilities, yet their mental health literacy (MHL) remains inadequately explored. This study investigates four dimensions of MHL - help-seeking behaviors, stigma, knowledge about mental health and understanding of mental illnesses. Besides, Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques are employed to analyze spatial disparities in MHL, which is the first in the context of MHL research. A total of 1,485 students were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, admission-related variables, health behaviors and family histories of mental health issues. Data were analyzed using SPSS and ArcGIS software. Multivariable linear regression analyses unveiled predictors of the MHL dimensions, with gender, family income, admission test performance, smoking, alcohol and drug use, physical and mental health history, current depression or anxiety and family history of mental health and suicide incidents emerging as common predictors. GIS analysis unraveled notable regional disparities in MHL, particularly in knowledge of mental health and mental illness, with northern and some southern districts displaying higher literacy levels. In conclusion, these findings accentuate significant gender and sociodemographic inequalities in MHL among prospective university students, highlighting the imperative for targeted interventions to enhance MHL and foster mental well-being in this cohort.

Profile Characteristics of Prospective University Students: Status and Trends

The purpose of this paper is to present the elements of the methodology for the statistical study of the profile characteristics of prospective university students. In order to achieve this goal, the following tasks аre carried out: Review of the main strategic and nor­mative documents in the field of higher education; Analysis of the current normative basis of different higher education institutions; Presentation of data sources on prospective students and statistical analysis methods; Formulation of recommendations for the study of prospective students’ profile characteristics and admission procedures.

Skill possession and prospective university students' career decisions: Does prior exposure really matter?

This study investigated the role of students' skills in their career decisions while preparing for university education. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study's population comprised 5,656 Senior Secondary class three (SS III) students distributed across 101 public secondary schools in Ikom Education Zone, Cross River State. A sample of 1,135 SS III students was selected (representing 20% of the population) using the simple random sampling technique. "Skills and Career Choice Checklist (SCCC)," designed by the researchers, was the instrument used for data collection. Frequency counts, percentages, and the Chi-square test of independence were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that many prospective university students had exposure to different skills. The career decisions of prospective students varied according to their skill sets. It was established that the extent to which students' career choices depend on their exposure to skills is significant. It was concluded that prior exposure to skills determines prospective university students' career choices. This study has counselling implications for the proper guidance of students seeking to make career decisions. Career counsellors can use the results of this study to guide students in taking courses related to their skills or the other way around.

Predicting outcomes in sport and exercise science degrees: the effect of qualification pathways

ABSTRACT In the UK, most prospective university students study ‘traditional’ academic qualifications such as A-Levels. However, increasing numbers of students are entering UK higher education with 'non-traditional' or vocational qualifications. This has provoked debate about the relationships between entry qualifications and degree outcomes; this paper investigates this relationship in sport and exercise science. Data from five large cohorts of undergraduates at a post-1992 university in the Midlands of England are analysed to investigate predictors of degree outcomes. The models predict better degree outcomes for those with higher UCAS tariff points; who studied A-Levels; who were female and white. Students entering with only vocational qualifications were more likely to be BME, male, and from poorer backgrounds. Therefore, the apparent associations between entry qualifications and outcomes can misrecognise the importance of the qualifications themselves. Students are not randomly distributed between post-16 qualification pathways and any associations with degree outcomes might be a function of factors that influenced choices at aged 16. This is particularly important now, amidst major reforms of post-16 qualifications in England, including the development of the new Technical Level qualifications.

Blue blood students of occupational dynasties and their university choice: the moderating role of parent–child occupational following

ABSTRACT This study sheds light on a new category of students in higher education marketing literature – namely, occupational followers. We draw on expectancy-value theory, occupational following theory, and consumer buying behaviour premises to develop and empirically test a model for university choice decision. Data was collected from 367 prospective university students divided into two groups: occupational followers and non-occupational followers. Data was analysed using structural equation modelling. Results indicate that staff–new student online interactions are a key driver of new student satisfaction with online subject taster programs. The study provides empirical support for the direct effect of student satisfaction in shaping students’ extra-role behaviour and university brand preference. Specifically, occupational following moderates the relationship between brand preference and university decision as well as the relationship between extra-role behaviour and university decision.

Localised learning: mobilising belonging among mature-aged students in low socio-economic status regional and remote areas

The higher education participation and success rates of students in low socio-economic status (SES), regional, rural, remote, and isolated areas – who often attend university later in life – is a persistent concern in Australia and beyond. This article focuses on mature-aged students in low SES, regional and remote areas in Tasmania, Australia, proposing that universities harness local belonging when providing learning opportunities. It draws on a thematic analysis of 19 semi-structured interviews with current and prospective university students, and community stakeholders. The study identifies time and place-based barriers to studying on campus: students’ commitments outside of university; and geographical, cultural, and financial challenges. However, existing local infrastructure, such as libraries, create opportunities for face-to-face interactions and learning support for students who study online in their regional or remote communities, provided by staff and local volunteers. These barriers and solutions are discussed using the concept of ‘belonging’, framed spatially and culturally. Current literature on regional and remote higher education students tends to emphasise ‘not belonging’ in relation to distant urban or metropolitan spaces. We argue that ‘belonging’ can be fostered in local spaces with local people. Utilising ‘untapped’ local learning support and existing physical spaces mitigates geographical, cultural, and financial challenges, and provides academic and emotional support. We propose a coordinated network of physical study places and local people, including: regional ‘satellite’ campuses; regional study hubs; local public libraries; and schools, where online students can be supported, connected, and engaged in their studies whilst located in regional and remote communities.

A pilot course with project-based learning in an intensive English program

AbstractIntensive language programs have increased in popularity in recent years. They are perceived as a means to help current or prospective university students improve their language competencies and academic skills in their medium(s) of instruction in a short amount of time prior to enrolment and/or parallel to their degree courses. However, there has been little empirical research on practices and efficacies of such programs. This paper presents a pilot project conducted during a pre-sessional intensive English course for first-year students at a trilingual university in Italy. Specifically, the project employed a mixed-method approach to explore the differences between project-based learning (PBL) and the practice of teaching from a coursebook. The results suggest that while there was no difference in learner engagement and learning outcomes between a pilot group which engaged exclusively in PBL and a control group which was taught from a coursebook, the participants expressed particularly positive attitudes to PBL, although they also expressed a desire for more teacher-led instruction. The findings merit further investigation of PBL in this and similar contexts, including the longitudinal effects of PBL and the trialling of different combinations of PBL with explicit and deductive instruction.

Fostering Self-Regulated Learning in Online Environments: Positive Effects of a Web-Based Training With Peer Feedback on Learning Behavior.

Although training in self-regulated learning (SRL) is effective in improving performance, human trainers can reach only a few people at a time. We developed a web-based training for potentially unlimited numbers of participants based on the process model of SRL by Schmitz and Wiese (2006). A prior study (Bellhäuser et al., 2016) observed positive effects on self-reported SRL and self-efficacy. In the present randomized controlled trial, we investigated an improved version of the web-based training, augmented by the application of peer feedback groups. Prospective university students in an online mathematics preparation course were assigned randomly to one of four experimental conditions: Group D (diary), group TD (training + diary), group TDP (training + diary + peer feedback group), and group C (control). Complete data was obtained for 136 participants (78.8% male; M = 19.8 years). The learning diary was intended to trigger goal setting, planning, and self-motivation in the morning and reflection in the evening. The web-based training consisted of three lessons (approximately 90 min each) with videos, presentations, self-tests, and exercises. In the peer feedback condition, participants were randomly assigned to groups of five persons each and used a bulletin board to discuss pre-defined topics related to the content of the web-based training. Outcome measures included a test of declarative SRL knowledge, an SRL questionnaire, a general self-efficacy scale, log file data, and a mathematics test. Results showed positive effects for the web-based training, particularly when combined with peer feedback on both SRL knowledge and SRL questionnaires, self-efficacy, and on objective time-investment, but not on the mathematics test. The learning diary did not exhibit positive effects. We conclude that additional peer-feedback seems to be a useful supplement to web-based trainings with comparably low organizational costs.

Group career construction counseling with disadvantaged prospective university students

AbstractWe investigated the value of a three‐phase, six‐step group‐based career construction counselling intervention for prospective university students from disadvantaged backgrounds using an integrative, QUALITATIVE‐quantitative design. The participants completed measures of career adaptability and career decision‐making difficulties before and after the intervention. Results indicated that the girls’ career adaptability scores increased more than those of the boys. Notable pretest and posttest score differences were also found for both the boys and the girls in all three main career decision‐making difficulties categories including Lack of Readiness, Lack of Information, and Inconsistent Information. While encouraging, longitudinal research with larger samples and more diverse participants in diverse contexts is necessary to more fully determine the value of the approach used here.

Like father like son: the role of similar-education parents in their children’s university choice

ABSTRACT This study draws attention to the role of similarly educated parents in their children’s university choice. We conceptualise, develop, and empirically test a model that links university choice with parents’ intention to recommend the university and university brand preference that stems from their own experiences during the university evaluation stage. Data from 339 parents of prospective university students were collected and analysed using structural equation modelling. The findings reveal that parents’ experience with university staff, perception of other parents, and quality of university facilities affect parents’ satisfaction. The results suggest that parents satisfied with a university are more likely to recommend that university to their children and prefer the university brand. These two constructs were found to influence university choice for those parents with non-similar education to a university programme. For parents with similar education to a university programme, only parents’ university brand preference influences university choice.

“If You Don’t Drink at University, You’re Going to Struggle to Make Friends” Prospective Students’ Perceptions around Alcohol Use at Universities in the United Kingdom

Background New students arrive at university with pre-determined perceptions around how alcohol can be used as a tool to overcome anxieties and secure new friendships, which in turn influences students’ drinking behaviors. From a health promotion perspective, the transition to university may present a unique yet understudied opportunity to challenge and reframe situated drinking norms. This paper explores prospective university students’ perceptions of the role that alcohol plays at university and the influence that these perceptions have on behavior. Method Focus groups with 46 prospective university students (aged 16-20 years) recruited from colleges and sixth forms in the North West of England. Results Through various sources of information, new students arrive at university with pre-conceived perceptions of a heavy student drinking culture and knowledge around how alcohol can be used to aid successful integration with new peers. Alcohol was viewed by new students as a social lubricant which is key to accruing social capital. Cultural presentations of the student drinker identity led prospective students to formulate negative connotations of those students who transgress from the norms of drinking. Conclusions The findings provide new insights into how young people conceptualize alcohol at university and the impact that these perceptions have on shaping ideology and influencing drinking behavior. Breaking down these norms presents real challenges for those trying to address excessive drinking in universities, therefore, early intervention which challenges, re-frames and modifies perceptions before students arrive on campus may help to reduce the pressure and expectations to drink in social situations.

A Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach for Analysing Prospective University Students Course Selection Decision Problem in Nigeria

A Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach for Analysing Prospective University Students Course Selection Decision Problem in Nigeria

Emotional Resilience as a Major Factor in the Mental Health of Prospective University Students

This study investigates the issues of emotional stability as the main factor in the mental health of students of modern higher educational institutions. The relevance of the subject matter is conditioned by the high psychological and psycho-emotional stress that students of many specialties of modern higher educational institutions have to face during their studying, as well as the need for high psychological and emotional stability to handle such stress and successfully complete the training. The leading approach in this study is a combination of a system analysis of the influence of emotional overload on students of modern higher educational institutions during their training with the study of the features of increasing emotional stability in conditions of psychological overload during lectures at a university, which have a considerable impact on the psyche of a student and can cause numerous nervous breakdowns. The results of this study clearly emphasise the importance of the emotional stability of prospective university students as a factor that prevents the development of disorders of their mental health, and also necessitates the development of emotional stability in modern prospective university students to create a reliable, highquality basis for strengthening mental health. The results and conclusions of this study are of substantial importance for students of modern higher educational institutions, university teachers, as well as for numerous researchers of the issues of improving emotional and psychological stability in conditions of high loads associated with intense mental activity inherent in both students and representatives of various spheres of mental labour

Gender differences in wage expectations: the role of biased beliefs

We analyze gender differences in expected starting salaries along the wage expectations distribution of prospective university students in Germany, using elicited beliefs about both own salaries and salaries for average other students in the same field. Unconditional and conditional quantile regressions show 5–15% lower wage expectations for females. At all percentiles considered, the gender gap is more pronounced in the distribution of expected own salary than in the distribution of wages expected for average other students. Decomposition results show that biased beliefs about the own earnings potential relative to others and about average salaries play a major role in explaining the gender gap in wage expectations for oneself.

Selling lemons? The relationship between learning and teaching information on university programme web pages and future students’ course satisfaction

ABSTRACT The sources and types of information that prospective university students access during the recruitment phase have been widely researched. However, there is limited research on the usefulness of the learning and teaching (L&T) information provided by universities to prospective students in describing their own learning experiences of the programme. The study investigates the meaningfulness of the efforts of HEIs in (1) providing L&T information to prospective students and (2) attending to guidance from government bodies on L&T information that universities should make available to prospective students. Findings based on secondary data analysis of L&T information available for prospective students on 36 university websites and the students’ satisfaction scores of their perceived learning experience whilst on programme indicate that only a small proportion of information provided on university websites reliably reflects the students’ actual learning experience on the programme. Furthermore, the study provides guidance on the L&T information universities should feature on their programme webpages which is likely to be a more realistic indicator of their actual learning experience.