Lianne Briggs

Doctoral Dissertation Announcement

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Candidate: Lianne Briggs

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

Title: Student Success: An Investigation of the Role the Pre-Admission Variables of Academic Preparation, Personal Attributes, and Demographic Characteristics Contribute in Predicting Graduation

Committee:
Dr. Louann Bierlein-Palmer, Chair
Dr. Andrea Beach
Dr. Kristen Salomonson

Date: Monday, June 18, 2012 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Katke Golf Course Conference Room, Big Rapids, MI

Abstract:
Despite retention being a significant focus of higher education research, graduation rates remain of concern.  Increased numbers of students are advancing to college bringing with them a wider range of abilities, attributes, and characteristics.  There is much we know about what predicts success for these students but our knowledge is far from complete.  This study therefore explores to what extent pre-admission variables of academic preparation, personal attributes, and demographic characteristics are predictive of graduation with the goal of identifying students who are more or less likely to do better than their high school academic preparation would suggest.
The study examines the records of 6,400 first time in any college freshman (FTIACs) at one mid-sized university as it transitioned from an open admission policy to higher admission standards over a seven year period.  Twenty-two independent variables drawn from the student record system and ACT Interest Inventory were examined, as broken down by each admission standard cohort, data set, and field of study.  Logistic regression analysis was used to find variables predictive of first- and second-year retention as well as graduation. 
Results revealed that for all groups high school grade point average (HSGPA) was significant in predicting both retention and graduation. Standardized tests scores such as the ACT were not significant.  Other factors with a positive influence on retention and graduation among the groups included: living in the residence hall, extracurricular activities, AP credits, CLEP credits, and being female.  Variables with a negative influence were being Pell eligible, higher educational aspirations, higher estimated first year GPA, distance from campus, and being a minority. Pell eligibility was significant for almost every group tested.  For the weakest students the only variable which predicted retention or graduation was HSGPA. 
Findings indicate the two most important variables in predicting graduation are HSGPA and Pell eligibility. Focusing admission standards and retention programs on these two factors would have the greatest impact on graduation rates, as well as setting realistic shorter-term educational aspirations and estimated GPA goals.  This research strongly suggests setting minimum admission standards based on HSGPA alone could be an appropriate option for higher education leaders.