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Reducing university dropout rates with entrance tests – self-fulfilling prophecy or high quality students

Author

Listed:
  • Mirjam Strupler Leiser

    (Centre for Research in Economics of Education, University of Bern)

  • Stefan C. Wolter

    (Centre for Research in Economics of Education, University of Bern)

Abstract

In periods of student booms in tertiary education, the selection of students entering universities gains importance. Consequently, assessing the suitability of different selection methods is crucial for a fair selection process. This paper analyzes whether study success before and after the introduction of an aptitude test is a reasonable measure for the performance of such a test. Employing data from Swiss medical schools, we exploit the implementation of an aptitude test in 1998. The dropout rate in medical schools decreased significantly after the introduction of the test. However, utilizing the performance of transfer students from medical schools – students leaving medical sciences for another subject area – we demonstrate that this reduction in student dropout was not solely a result of better student quality but also of reduced standards in those medical schools. Applying a difference-in-differences strategy, we provide evidence for the endogeneity of dropout rates in medical sciences.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirjam Strupler Leiser & Stefan C. Wolter, 2015. "Reducing university dropout rates with entrance tests – self-fulfilling prophecy or high quality students," Economics of Education Working Paper Series 0108, University of Zurich, Department of Business Administration (IBW).
    • Handle: RePEc:iso:educat:0108
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    File URL: http://repec.business.uzh.ch/RePEc/iso/leadinghouse/0108_lhwpaper.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. John Bound & Michael F. Lovenheim & Sarah Turner, 2010. "Why Have College Completion Rates Declined? An Analysis of Changing Student Preparation and Collegiate Resources," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 2(3), pages 129-157, July.
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    5. Di Pietro, Giorgio & Cutillo, Andrea, 2008. "Degree flexibility and university drop-out: The Italian experience," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(5), pages 546-555, October.
    6. Geraint Johnes & Robert McNabb, 2004. "Never Give up on the Good Times: Student Attrition in the UK," Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, vol. 66(1), pages 23-47, February.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    aptitude test; university dropout; tertiary education; difference-in-differences;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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