Predictors of Academic Performance of Transfer Students At Southwest Missouri State University

The Coordinating Board for Higher Education has charged Missouri institutions with carefully examining the transfer process. This study explores the predictive capabilities of four variables that were hypothesized to be related to the academic success of transfer students at Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU). In stepwise regressions, standardized test scores (ACT) and transfer grade point average (GPA) explained 31% of the variance in SMSU GPA. High school rank and transfer hours explained 14% of the variance in graduation status. Used alone, transfer GPA, which is currently the only criterion SMSU uses to select transfer students, was strongly predictive of SMSU GPA and moderately predictive of graduation status. Although ACT scores were not predictive of graduation status, regression analyses did demonstrate that using ACT to select transfer students would increase the prediction of academic success as measured by SMSU GPA, particularly in transfers from two-year schools, and would also lead to more aligned admission policies between native and transfer students.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Psychology

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2000

Author dc:creator

• Rittman, Andrea L.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jeanne Phelps

• Psychology

Statement dc:rights

• © Andrea L Rittman

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/937

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1938