This paper examines a model used to predict success in a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program that relies more on performance in key first-year courses than the usual high school credentials, thereby, making more accurate predictions of success. The model also suggests strategies for enhancing student success. (GLR)

Describes a study to determine which characteristics and behaviors of community college transfer students were associated with persistence and achievement at a private university, focusing on gender, ethnicity, age, achievement test scores, high school and community college grade point averages, high school class rank, major, credit hours earned,…

The study found that high-risk college freshmen (N=74) who successfully completed a freshman orientation course were less likely to drop out and achieved higher grade point averages over a three-year period than students not in an orientation course. (Author/MLW)

This study examined the relationships among academic stress, valuing of education, self-esteem, and educational self-efficacy for first-semester, female undergraduates and the interaction of race/ethnicity with these variables. Conducted at a large, southwestern university, this study was part of a comprehensive examination of psychosocial factors…

The relationship between student satisfaction and performance and persistence were studied at a large midwestern, urban commuter university. A student satisfaction survey was completed by 1,643 students (out of 3,004 students), who rated their level of satisfaction with 48 specific and 5 general aspects of their college experiences. Performance…

An analysis of student matriculation was conducted at Diablo Valley College, in California, using the cohort of 4,251 students identified as new in fall 1992. Data indicate that 22.3% of this cohort did not enroll in any courses after applying, being tested, and completing orientation and advising; 8.4% continued on in the semester, but dropped…

A study at Barry University (Florida), a private, urban comprehensive university investigated factors in student retention. Demographic data, standardized test scores, and academic performance data were gathered for almost 3,000 students entering the university between fall 1991 and spring 1995. In addition, the students were surveyed on…

In spring 1997, a study was conducted to examine whether institutional contact with the student (in the form of a retention award) has a positive effect on student persistence. An experimental design was used to conduct the study. A sample of students was drawn based on their academic performance in Spring 1996. First-time students with long-term…

This study, which includes a review of literature and a methodology description, investigates the persistence rates of 462 Native American first-time college students enrolled in community colleges throughout Washington State in the fall of 1988. Their progress was tracked over a six-year study period. Existing data from the State Board of…

A study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of remedial mathematics and language arts classes in a rural northern California community college district. Data related to remedial class completion, following semester return rates, units completed, grade point average (GPA), and declared major were collected for all remedial students taking…

In July 1988, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) initiated the Systematic Assessment of Leavers (SAL), a 2-year, 2-phase research activity to develop and implement a monitoring process to identify the personal, demographic, institutional, and environmental factors associated with leaving the college. The target populations of the study were…

Indicators of persistence of nontraditional students at a large commuter state university were studied, and the literature on persistence was reviewed. The literature review covered student variables affecting retention rates, ethnic status and retention, institutional variables affecting persistence, and theoretical models that explain…

Persistence and graduation rates of four types of undergraduate students at the University of California, Davis, (UC Davis) are examined: domestic students with fewer than 12.5 college transfer units, including both regularly admitted students and those admitted by special action; and domestic students admitted with at least 84 but less than 135…

Three hundred ninety female freshmen who had career interests that were traditional, nontraditional, or neutral for women were compared on encouragement to pursue career goals, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, college grade-point average (GPA), persistence in original major, and persistence at the university after four semesters. In…

For more than thirty years, researchers have been interested in the issue of student retention in college. This study found that students who highly valued financial success were less likely to continue at the same institution from their first to their second year of college and were more likely to drop out of college than students who valued…