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The Economics of Encouragement: Can A Simple Email Shape Major Choice?

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  • Olivia Edwards
  • Jonathan Meer

Abstract

We examine the impact of encouragement emails sent to high-performing students in a principles of microeconomics course at a large state university, aimed at motivating them to take additional economics courses and consider an economics major or minor. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find some evidence of an increase in the likelihood of enrolling in intermediate microeconomics, especially for first-generation college students and underrepresented minorities, but limited effects on major switching or declaring an economics minor. Our findings suggest sustained interventions may be necessary to produce lasting effects

Suggested Citation

  • Olivia Edwards & Jonathan Meer, 2025. "The Economics of Encouragement: Can A Simple Email Shape Major Choice?," NBER Working Papers 33676, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33676
    Note: ED LS
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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