Shaping Futures: The Association between Guaranteed College Admission Policies and Students’ Educational Trajectories

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  In Roundtable Session: Opening Doors or Shifting Barriers? Policy Implementation and Futures of Educational Access

Abstract

The Texas Top Ten Percent Plan (TTPP) guarantees automatic admission to most state universities for students ranking in the top 10% of their high school class, potentially influencing their academic trajectories. This study investigates how TTPP eligibility is associated with students’ course-taking decisions and educational aspirations. Using descriptive statistics and regression models, the study examines whether eligible students are more likely to enroll in advanced mathematics courses and set higher educational expectations. Findings suggest that students qualifying for TTPP are more inclined to pursue rigorous coursework and have greater aspirations compared to their peers in the top 20%. These results underscore the broader implications of rank-based admissions policies on students’ high school experiences and post-secondary planning.

Author

• Seungbae Kim, Florida State University