ERIC Number: EJ1080271
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1925-4741
EISSN: N/A
Relationship between High School Mathematical Achievement and Quantitative GPA
Brown, Jennifer L.; Halpin, Glennelle; Halpin, Gerald
Higher Education Studies, v5 n6 p1-8 2015
The demand for STEM graduates has increased, but the number of incoming freshmen who declare a STEM major has remained stagnant. High school courses, such as calculus, can open or close the gate for students interested in careers in STEM. The purpose of this study was to determine if high school mathematics preparation was a significant prerequisite for success in the pre-engineering curriculum at the post-secondary level. The College Freshman Survey was administered to a sample of 2,328 incoming freshman students, then their survey responses were matched with the grades and standardized test scores provided by the university's institutional research office. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to predict quantitative pre-engineering GPA. The most significant predictor of quantitative GPA was adjusted ACT math score. Other significant contributors to the models were calculus, algebra II, trigonometry, and algebra I grades. The results suggest that high school preparation in specific mathematics subjects does have a positive impact on success in pre-engineering education.
Descriptors: Mathematics Achievement, Grade Point Average, Statistical Analysis, STEM Education, College Freshmen, Prerequisites, Engineering Education, Introductory Courses, Standardized Tests, Grades (Scholastic), Multiple Regression Analysis, Predictor Variables, College Preparation, College Readiness, Prior Learning, Student Surveys, Likert Scales, Predictive Validity, College Entrance Examinations
Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1120 Finch Avenue West Suite 701-309, Toronto, OH M3J 3H7, Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: hes@ccsenet.org; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/hes
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: ACT Assessment; SAT (College Admission Test)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A