Effects of High School Students' Noncognitive Factors on Their Performance and Success at College

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Entering Factors in the Lives of Colleges Students

Abstract

High school students’ academic preparation variables (e.g., GPA, ACT scores, AP credits) predict and explain their academic performance at college. However, the effects of their non-cognitive factors on success at college are unclear. This study examined in-depth the effects of high school students’ (n=2279) self-efficacy, motivation, sense of belonging and academic goal engagement on academic success at college through structural equation modeling. Also, model fit indices and R-square values were compared between a model including only academic pre-matriculation and one that included both academic pre-matriculation and non-cognitive factors. Academic goal engagement was more closely associated with performance whereas belonging was more closely associated with retention. The results of the current study provide important implications to college administrators and future research.

Author

• Cheon-woo Han, The University of Texas - Tyler