NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
ERIC Number: ED573310
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Apr
Pages: 33
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Admissions Indicators and Practices Leading to the Success of Mature Students
Karpinsky, Val
British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer
A 2013 British Columbia Council of Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) research report suggested the need to continue research on mature students for the sake of ensuring access to postsecondary education (PSE) for adults and other categories of non-traditional students. The 2013 report laid a basis for this study which investigates key elements of undergraduate mature student admissions in BC. The study objectives included the following: (1) To review existing practices in assessing mature applicants for admission; (2) To identify indicators of mature (non-traditional) student preparedness that are not related to high school grades; (3) To identify subcategories of mature students that may require different means of assessment; (4) To identify successful practices in creating opportunities for access; and (5) To identify areas for future research and, if appropriate, the development of suggested practices. Research literature recognizes that mature student admission characteristics differ from those that are used to measure traditional student success. Mature students require appropriate admissions policies and practices to address their characteristics and circumstances. Mature student subcategories (such as Aboriginal mature students, or mature student applicants with dependents, and with career and/or life experience) were identified to enable consideration of their characteristics in the admissions process. Some of the mature student preparedness indicators, such as the mature student applicant's English language proficiency, the match to the institution/faculty/program, and the applicant's ability to envision him/herself as a student were found to be more important that other factors. Building upon the limited institutional research performed to date, new institutional research could further explore mature student preparedness indicators, as well as policies and practices which could create institutional and system barriers for mature students. Post-secondary institutions are encouraged to share best practices for mature students (e.g., in assisting mature applicants and students facing the life/work balance challenge or self-confidence concerns) and to develop research and action plans with the aim of improving mature students' access and participation in BC's post-secondary system. The following are appended: (1) Questions Used in the Interviews; and (2) Survey Instrument.
British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer. 709-555 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 3H6, Canada. Tel: 604-412-7700; Fax: 604-683-0576; e-mail: info@bccat.ca; Web site: http://www.bccat.ca
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Adult Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) (Canada)
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A