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Proxies for Success: How the Application Process Correlates to PhD Pursuit for a Small Diversity Research Program

Author

Listed:
  • Dawayne Whittington
  • Latricia E. Wallace
  • Cherilynn R. Shadding

Abstract

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) diversity research programs seek to make progress in increasing the number of underrepresented students that pursue STEM at the highest degree levels. Yet few programs have outlined their path to help students achieve the STEM PhD. Our program, Opportunities in Genomics Research (OGR), showed significant increases in PhD matriculation over 8 years of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. We explored typical measures, which include grade point average (GPA), institution classification, and graduate school ranking, and found that these measures alone do not explain the improved outcomes. We examined changes in the application materials as proxies for commitment to a PhD degree. These data show a significant correlation of desired degree pursuit to increased proxies and proxy type (open- or close-ended questions answered by applicant or referee). We demonstrate that changes in application procedures for diversity research programs correlate to improved program outcomes with statistical significance.

Suggested Citation

  • Dawayne Whittington & Latricia E. Wallace & Cherilynn R. Shadding, 2017. "Proxies for Success: How the Application Process Correlates to PhD Pursuit for a Small Diversity Research Program," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(3), pages 21582440177, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:7:y:2017:i:3:p:2158244017727040
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244017727040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cherilynn R. Shadding & Dawayne Whittington & Latricia E. Wallace & Wambul S. Wandu & Richard K. Wilson, 2016. "Cost-Effective Recruitment Strategies That Attract Underrepresented Minority Undergraduates Who Persist to STEM Doctorates," SAGE Open, , vol. 6(3), pages 21582440166, July.
    2. Liane Moneta-Koehler & Abigail M Brown & Kimberly A Petrie & Brent J Evans & Roger Chalkley, 2017. "The Limitations of the GRE in Predicting Success in Biomedical Graduate School," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(1), pages 1-17, January.
    3. Melanie T. Jones & Amy E. L. Barlow & Merna Villarejo, 2010. "Importance of Undergraduate Research for Minority Persistence and Achievement in Biology," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 81(1), pages 82-115, January.
    4. Karen W. Bauer & Joan S. Bennett, 2003. "Alumni Perceptions Used to Assess Undergraduate Research Experience," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 74(2), pages 210-230, March.
    5. Héctor H. Rivera & Debra Murray, 2014. "An Exploratory Assessment," SAGE Open, , vol. 4(4), pages 21582440145, November.
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