Choosing Double: The Relationship Between Successful Advanced Placement Exam Completion in High School and College Double Major

• In Event: 41.033 - Beyond College Aspirations: Credit Transfers, Advisement, and College Readiness

Abstract

Research has shown that students who double major have higher earnings than those who obtain a single major. Considering the added benefits of electing to double major, we consider the role of high school acceleration programs, specifically successful completion of Advanced Placement® (AP®) Exams, on a student’s likelihood of choosing a double major. Results indicate that controlling for student demographics, high school preparation, motivation, and institutional factors, students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams in high school are more likely to double major than students who score a 1 or 2 on an AP Exam or do not take any AP Exams in high school.

Authors

• Maureen Ewing, The College Board

• Sanja Jagesic, College Board

• Jeffrey Nagle Wyatt, The College Board