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Determinants of grades in maths for students in economics

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  • Lorenzo Cappellari
  • Claudio Lucifora
  • Dario Pozzoli

Abstract

This paper investigates the determinants of grades achieved in maths by first-year students in economics. We use individual administrative data from 1993 to 2005 to fit an educational production function. Our main findings suggest that good secondary school achievements and the type of school attended are significantly associated with maths grades. Ceteris paribus , females typically do better than males. Since students can postpone the exam or repeat it when they fail, we also analyze the determinants of the elapsed time to pass the exam using a survival analysis. Modeling simultaneously maths grades and the hazard of passing the exam, we find that the overall hazard rate of passing the exam is higher for those students who get the higher grades. The longer the students wait to take the exam, the less likely they are to obtain high grades.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorenzo Cappellari & Claudio Lucifora & Dario Pozzoli, 2012. "Determinants of grades in maths for students in economics," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:edecon:v:20:y:2012:i:1:p:1-17
    DOI: 10.1080/09645291003718340
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    Cited by:

    1. Agar Brugiavini & Carlo Carraro & Matija Kovacic, 2014. "Academic Achievements: Grades versus Duration," Working Papers 2014:13, Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".
    2. Shira Fano & Paolo Pellizzari, 2015. "The Effects of Facebook Discussions on Academic Performance," Working Papers 2015:28, Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".
    3. Carlos Arias & Javier Valbuena & Jose Manuel Garcia, 2021. "The Impact of Secondary Education Choices on Mathematical Performance in University: The Role of Non-Cognitive Skills," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 9(21), pages 1-16, October.
    4. Paola Azar & Alina Machado, 2024. "Gender gaps in career opportunities: a look at graduates in the field of business and economics in Uruguay," Documentos de Trabajo (working papers) 24-10, Instituto de Economía - IECON.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C50 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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