Numerous studies have found a host of factors that are likely to result in more successful applications to graduate schools. This study was a retrospective examination of the variables that distinguish graduate students who believed they were better prepared for graduate school. We examined several of these factors, including variables associated…

The Undergraduate Medical Programme at McMaster University selects students using a comprehensive set of tools. Attempts to modify the selection process over many years have been impeded by an inability to reconcile very strongly held views among stakeholders as to the importance of the selection tools and, indeed, the very purposes of the…

This study analyzed the retention and completion rates of international students seeking a master's degree at an American university. Records of 866 international students from 1987-2002 were investigated. Of these, 622 graduated, 92 dropped out of the program, and 152 are still active. Predictor variables analyzed to determine retention to degree…

Students with higher achievement scores and high school grade point averages are more likely to succeed in college as measured by their retention and graduation rates. Furthermore, an institution's ability to attract better prepared students results in a better academic reputation of the institution. The fact that better prepared students are…

Parents struggle with kindergarten readiness, seeking advice from early childhood educators. The author offers suggestions for helping with this decision, along with definitions of readiness, accountability pressures, and "redshirting." The article compares maturationist assumptions with current research, concluding that delaying kindergarten…

While California community colleges are open to all students eligible and able to benefit, most students must demonstrate that they are ready for college-level academic work by passing the college's placement exam once they enroll. Because California does not explicitly define college readiness standards for high school students, the placement…

This study will examine the feasibility of developing a student mobility tracking system that encompasses the entire post-secondary system in BC. Currently, the vast majority of the private post-secondary sector has no formal link with institutions in the public sector. As a consequence, little is known beyond anecdotal evidence about the…

This research study explores the concurrent and predictive validity of the English language proficiency screening test used by the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and the relationship of this measure to academic performance. It is concluded that (1) evidence of the predictive validity of the test supports its use for efficiently…

This paper contends that the state of California is not currently fulfilling its obligation to facilitate the preparation of sufficient numbers of able school administrators. The first section addresses administrator supply and demand. The number of individuals holding administrative services credentials (ASC) far outnumbers available…

The papers presented at this conference review current research on effective educational practices for low-achieving students and identify those that might be applied to programs funded under Chapter 1 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. A function assumed by several conference participants was to act as reactor to papers…

A two-phase study investigated the employment opportunities for visually impaired computer programers and the practicality of training them at a community/junior college. Activities during phase 1 included an employer survey to determine employment opportunities, a department chairperson survey, a blind programer survey, development of profiles…

State regulation of public higher education in California is considered. California's Master Plan may be described as the state's major regulatory scheme for higher education, since it established the educational missions, admissions standards, and institutional growth limits in each public segment. Major regulations arising from the Donahoe Act…

Women over age 25 represent a substantial age group that may be recruited to bolster undergraduate student recruitment efforts at Northwestern University and similar institutions of higher education. By 1990, the number of recruitable 18-year-olds will fall by 20 percent nationwide, causing financial hardship for many private colleges and…

The advantages and requirements for offering a second chance to students who have failed, by forgiving a poor academic record, are discussed and supported by findings from a survey of institutions and the results of several experimental programs. (MSE)

This paper presents four case studies that are part of a larger study on admissions arrangements and impacts on school admissions for all local education authorities (LEAs) in England and Wales. It examines factors influencing the social composition of schools. A total of 23 LEAs completed interviews about their secondary school admissions…