Search Results (50)

For decades, the U.S. college admissions process has utilized standardized exams as critical indicators of college readiness. With the onset of the COVID pandemic, the majority of 4-year universities implemented the Test-Optional policy to improve college access and enrollment. The Test-Optional policy allows prospective high school students to apply to institutions that have implemented this policy without a SAT or ACT score. This study examined the use of the Test-Optional policy and its relationship with early college success. Forward multiple regression examined which variables of High School GPA, Students of Color, First-Generation Status, Test-Optional, Pell Eligible, and Pre-College Credits best predict undergraduate first-year GPA. The results generated a five-variable model that accounted for 31% of the variability in first-year college GPA. High School GPA was the strongest predictor, while Test-Optional was not entered into the model. Binary logistic regression examined predictors of first-year college completion. Our results revealed the model including High School GPA, which tripled the odds of first-year completion. Again, Test-Optional was not included in the model. Although Students of Color and Pell Eligibility utilized Test-Optional significantly more than their peers, Test-Optional was not a significant predictor of first-year College GPA or first-year completion. Full article

Student dropout remains a critical challenge in higher education, especially within public universities that serve diverse and vulnerable populations. This research presents the design and evaluation of an early warning system based on an XGBoost classifier, trained exclusively on data collected at the time of student enrollment. Using a retrospective dataset of nearly 40,000 first-year students (2014–2024) from a Mexican public university, the model incorporated academic, socioeconomic, demographic, and perceptual variables. The final XGBoost model achieved an AUC-ROC of 0.6902 and an F1-score of 0.6946 for the dropout class, with a sensitivity of 88%. XGBoost was chosen over Random Forest due to its superior ability to detect students at risk, a critical requirement for early intervention. The model flagged 59% of incoming students as high-risk, with considerable variability across academic programs. The most influential predictors included age, high school GPA, conditioned admission, and other family responsibilities and economic constraints. This research demonstrates that early warning systems can transform enrollment data into timely and actionable insights, enabling universities to identify vulnerable students earlier and respond more effectively, allocate support more efficiently, and enhance their efforts to reduce dropout rates and improve student retention. Full article

Background/Objectives: The maternal mortality ratio is one of the global health indicators, and cardiopathies are the leading indirect causes of maternal deaths. Proper management of pregnant women with heart disease is crucial, as the severity of these conditions can lead to complications during the perinatal period. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of severe maternal morbidity and associated factors in pregnant women with heart disease. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a referral hospital in São Paulo from 2008 to 2017, including pregnant women with heart disease who underwent procedures in the obstetric center (n = 345). Sociodemographic, obstetric, and pre-existing conditions were analyzed, along with life-threatening conditions, near-miss events, and maternal deaths. Heart diseases were classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and health indicators were calculated using WHO-recommended formulas. The Chi-square test or Likelihood Ratio test (p < 0.05) was used to compare severe maternal morbidity among women with heart disease. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.1 ± 7.29 years; most were white (58.8%), had completed high school (37.9%), and were married (71.6%). The most frequent pre-existing conditions were hypertension (9.6%) and diabetes mellitus (9.3%). The mean gestational age at admission/delivery was 37 weeks. According to the WHO classification, most women were classified as “II/III” (31.6%). Life-threatening conditions included hemorrhagic complications (13.9%), hypertensive complications (5.8%), clinical complications (19.7%), and severe management conditions (31.6%). Near-miss events occurred in 6.4% of patients, with clinical criteria in 2.9%, laboratory criteria in 4.3%, and management criteria in 3.5%. The cesarean section rate was 51%. Patients classified as WHO III and IV presented more severe management conditions (p < 0.0001), and those in WHO IV had a higher occurrence of near-miss events (p = 0.0001). Maternal mortality was 0.9% (n = 3). Conclusions: The incidence of severe maternal morbidity was 25 cases (22 near-miss events + 3 maternal deaths), equivalent to 2.86 per 1000 live births, and was significantly associated with WHO classifications III and IV. Full article

Adolescents’ performance in high-stakes standardized examinations plays a pivotal role in shaping their educational trajectories. This longitudinal study investigated whether parental attendance at parent–teacher conferences (PTCs) during early adolescence is associated with students’ performance in standardized examinations required for high school and college entrance. Drawing on data from the Taiwan Youth Project, we analyzed responses from 1294 ninth-grade students and 524 twelfth-grade students with available exam results. Parental participation in PTCs was recorded in both seventh and eighth grades, along with two other types of school-based involvement and covariates, such as parental education level, household income, students’ birth order, prior academic rank, peer relationships, parental support, and parental expectations. Hierarchical linear modeling was employed to control for individual and school-level variables. The results showed that parental attendance at PTCs in eighth grade was associated with higher scores on high school entrance exams in ninth grade. Furthermore, attending PTCs in both seventh and eighth grades was significantly associated with better performance in college entrance exams in twelfth grade (β = 3.02, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that sustained parental engagement in PTCs contributes to improved academic performance in adolescence. Policies that promote equitable and continued parent–teacher collaboration may support long-term student success. Full article

Military schools primarily aim to prepare young people for the admission procedures of military academies. In this specific environment, the high overall load can generate burnout in cadets and the consequent failure to achieve scholastic and military objectives. The present study investigated how a training protocol based entirely on internal load and a reflective approach in a military-type school context affects participants’ physical efficacy, efficiency, and psychological outcomes. For this study, 63 cadets who were 17 years old from an Italian military school were recruited. Twenty-two of them were allocated into a control group (CG), twenty-one were allocated into a group exercising based on external load (EG), and twenty we allocated into a group exercising based on internal load (IG). All groups performed tests of physical efficacy (maximal tests) and physical efficiency (self-perception-based submaximal test) and answered psychological questionnaires to assess motivation, self-efficacy, and enjoyment. Group participants attended eight weeks of interventions in which physical education lessons were led as follows: the EG performed a circuit training at 50% of maximal repetitions, the IG performed a circuit training at value six on Borg’s scale, and the CG attended curricular physical education lessons. Tests were then repeated. The IG increased physical efficacy more than the EG and CG, while only the IG increased physical efficiency. The IG and EG improved in psychological variables more than the CG. Education in self-perception and self-regulation could help cadets better manage their psychophysical status, allowing them to reach the physical demands for academic admission. Full article

This study explores the multifaceted factors influencing academic performance among undergraduate students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs at a South African university. Employing a Bayesian hierarchical modelling approach, this research analyses data from 630 students collected over four academic years (2019–2023). The findings indicate that high school mathematics marks and progression rates serve as significant predictors of academic success, confirming the critical role of foundational mathematical skills in enhancing university performance. Interestingly, gender and age were found to have no statistically significant impact on academic outcomes, suggesting that these factors may be less influential in this context. Additionally, socio-economic status, represented by school quintiles, emerged as a substantial determinant of performance, highlighting disparities faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The results underscore the necessity for targeted educational interventions aimed at bolstering the academic capabilities of students entering university, particularly those with weaker mathematics backgrounds. Furthermore, the study advocates for a holistic admissions approach that considers various attributes beyond standardized scores. These insights contribute to the existing literature on STEM education and provide practical recommendations for educators and policymakers aiming to foster equitable academic success among all students. Full article

Background: To provide more effective pregraduate patient safety education, understanding medical students’ perceptions of patient safety before pregraduate patient safety education is necessary. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine patient safety awareness among medical students at the time of admission and compare it with that among controls. Methods: In the 2019 academic year, 132 medical school freshmen enrolled at Teikyo University and 166 age-matched, non-medical students enrolled at an affiliated institution within the Teikyo University organization were surveyed using an anonymous and self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire divided patient safety awareness into three categories: perception, knowledge, and attitude, which were evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.77). To assess overall patient safety awareness, the total scores were calculated for the item groups on “perception”, “knowledge”, and “attitude” and compared these scores between the two groups. Results: The total scores (mean ± SD) were 104.2 ± 10.2 for medical students and 88.8 ± 9.6 for controls (p < 0.001). In the “perception” and “attitude” item groups, a higher proportion of medical students provided a positive response than controls. In particular, medical students were more motivated to learn about patient safety than the controls. In the “knowledge” item group, neither medical students nor controls provided a high proportion of positive responses. Conclusions: Medical students demonstrated a higher awareness of patient safety than controls and showed a strong sensitivity to patient safety from the time of enrollment. Full article

Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, with a major STEM pipeline leakage occurring between high school and post-secondary education. Past research suggests that providing female high school students with opportunities for problem-solving, prosocial behaviors and working towards authentic communal goals can improve their perceptions of STEM and the attractiveness of STEM careers. Building on this prior research, we investigate Scientella, a US-based, student-run organization that provides out-of-school consulting projects, mentorships and webinars to female high school students. Drawing on the direct experiences of Scientella’s co-founders and analyzing program survey data, we explore how Scientella provides these opportunities, the benefits realized by students, and the challenges faced by the organization. Survey data show that involvement in Scientella’s activities provides students with benefits related to STEM career exploration and counter-stereotypical STEM skill development, including career discovery, industry engagement and practical experience, and the development of collaboration, communication and social research skills. The admissions of Scientella student leaders to STEM majors in selective US colleges indicates the promise of Scientella’s approach, and that providing students with opportunities to engage in STEM-themed career exploration and leadership development could be an effective strategy to increase female STEM participation in post-secondary education and the pursuit of subsequent career opportunities. Full article

Since October 2022, alerts have spread from several countries about the increase in invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) and scarlet fever cases affecting young children. We aim to analyze the epidemiology of GAS infections in the last 12 years in our hospital and identify the clinical features of invasive cases observed in 2023. We conducted a retrospective study enrolling children and adolescents hospitalized at our pediatric clinic from January to December 2023 for a definitive diagnosis of iGAS infection. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected and analyzed. Comparing 2016 and 2023, we observed a similar number of GAS infections (65 vs. 60 cases). Five children with iGAS infection were hospitalized between March and April 2023. The median age was five years. At admission, all patients showed tachycardia disproportionate to their body temperature. Vomiting was a recurrent symptom (80%). Laboratory tests mostly showed lymphopenia, hyponatremia, and high inflammatory markers. The number of pediatric iGAS cases significantly increased in 2023. Clinical (pre-school-aged children with high fever, unexplained tachycardia, and vomiting) and laboratory parameters (high procalcitonin levels, hyponatremia, and lymphopenia) could help identify and suspect a potential iGAS infection. Full article

What qualities and abilities are appropriate for a person who plans to become a doctor? To answer this question, it is meaningful to understand the opinions of the general public, since they are important stakeholders in the training of doctors. As part of a national door-to-door questionnaire survey, participants were asked about 16 qualities and abilities they considered suitable for becoming a doctor. Of the 1200 people interviewed, 1190 responded. The ratio of affirmative answers was the highest (92.2%) for the “Accurately judges situations” element, followed by “Cares about others’ feelings” (87.4%), “Understands the reality of medical care and welfare” (87.2%), and “Resistant to mental stress” (86.2%). “High academic ability”, which is currently the most important factor in the actual selection of students, ranked ninth among the sixteen elements (71.8%). Aside from academic ability, the general public places importance on other factors in selecting students for admission to medical schools. This study provides a valuable reference for medical schools regarding admission policies and applicant selection processes. Full article

Background: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been associated with symptoms of Digital Eye Strain (DES) and poor academic performance among adolescent students. The purpose of this study is to assess whether a student’s achievement of a specific academic goal within a short period of time can be directly predicted by symptoms of IGD and DES. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey of 140 high school graduates who received an examination of visual acuity as a pre-requisite for entering the written admission examinations of law enforcement and military academies. The students completed the Digital Eye Strain Questionnaire (DESQ) and the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) and stated their own evaluation of their chances for success. They were contacted following their admission examinations, and their success or failure to be admitted was recorded. Results: The students with IGD symptomatology were more likely to present with symptoms of DES. They were also more pessimistic about their chances of success in the subsequent written admission examinations; none succeeded, while the rest of the students recorded an expected rate of success. A combination of IGD and complaints related to the prolonged fixation of the upper body in a specific viewing position was the best predictor variable set for future success in admission examinations. Conclusions: IGD is associated with a failure to achieve academic success. Combining a factor for physical discomfort during prolonged sessions of gaming with the typical criteria for IGD may expand the predictive validity of the construct of gaming disorder. Full article

The role of academic advising has been conducted by faculty-student advisors, who often have many students to advise quickly, making the process ineffective. The selection of the incorrect qualification increases the risk of dropping out, changing qualifications, or not finishing the qualification enrolled in the minimum time. This study harnesses a real-world dataset comprising student records across four engineering disciplines from the 2016 and 2017 academic years at a public South African university. The study examines the relative importance of features in models for predicting student performance and determining whether students are better suited for extended or mainstream programmes. The study employs a three-step methodology, encompassing data pre-processing, feature importance selection, and model training with evaluation, to predict student performance by addressing issues such as dataset imbalance, biases, and ethical considerations. By relying exclusively on high school performance data, predictions are based solely on students’ abilities, fostering fairness and minimising biases in predictive tasks. The results show that removing demographic features like ethnicity or nationality reduces bias. The study’s findings also highlight the significance of the following features: mathematics, physical sciences, and admission point scores when predicting student performance. The models are evaluated, demonstrating their ability to provide accurate predictions. The study’s results highlight varying performance among models and their key contributions, underscoring the potential to transform academic advising and enhance student decision-making. These models can be incorporated into the academic advising recommender system, thereby improving the quality of academic guidance. Full article

The progress of technology has played a crucial role in enhancing various fields such as education. Universities in Saudi Arabia offer free education to students and follow specific admission policies. These policies usually focus on features and scores such as the high school grade point average, general aptitude test, and achievement test. The main issue with current admission policies is that they do not fit with all majors, which results in high rates of failure, dropouts, and transfer. Another issue is that all mentioned features and scores are cumulatively calculated, which obscures some details. Therefore, this study aims to explore admission criteria used in Saudi Arabian universities and the factors that influence students’ choice of major. First, using data mining techniques, the research analyzes the relationships and similarities between the university’s grade point average and the other student admission features. The study proposes a new Jaccard model that includes modified Jaccard and approximated modified Jaccard techniques to match the specifications of students’ data records. It also uses data distribution analysis and correlation coefficient analysis to understand the relationships between admission features and student performance. The investigation shows that relationships vary from one major to another. Such variations emphasize the weakness of the generalization of the current procedures since they are not applicable to all majors. Additionally, the analysis highlights the importance of hidden details such as high school course grades. Second, this study employs machine learning models to incorporate additional features, such as high school course grades, to find suitable majors for students. The K-nearest neighbor, decision tree, and support vector machine algorithms were used to classify students into appropriate majors. This process significantly improves the enrolment of students in majors that align with their skills and interests. The results of the experimental simulation indicate that the K-nearest neighbor algorithm achieves the highest accuracy rate of 100%, while the decision tree algorithm’s accuracy rate is 81% and the support vector machine algorithm’s accuracy rate is 75%. This encourages the idea of using machine learning models to find a suitable major for applicants. Full article

Over the past few decades, the education sector has achieved impressive advancements by incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the educational environment. Nevertheless, specific educational processes, particularly educational counseling, still depend on traditional procedures. The current method of conducting group sessions between counselors and students does not offer personalized assistance or individual attention, which can cause stress to students and make it difficult for them to make informed decisions about their coursework and career path. This paper proposes a counseling solution designed to aid high school seniors in selecting appropriate academic paths at the tertiary level. The system utilizes a predictive model that considers academic history and student preferences to determine students’ likelihood of admission to their chosen university and recommends similar alternative universities to provide more opportunities. We developed the model based on data from 500 graduates from 12 public high schools in Morocco, as well as eligibility criteria from 31 institutions and colleges. The counseling system comprises two modules: a recommendation module that uses popularity-based and content-based recommendations and a prediction module that calculates the likelihood of admission using the Huber Regressor model. This model outperformed 13 other machine learning modules, with a low MSE of 0.0017, RMSE of 0.0422, and the highest R-squared value of 0.9306. Finally, the system is accessible through a user-friendly web interface. Full article

Introduction. Social and emotional (SE) skills are known to be linked to important life outcomes, many of which fall into the academic domain. For example, meta-analytic data show that the skill of Sustaining Effort is nearly or just as important for academic performance as intelligence. In a recent study with long-term tracking of high school students, those who came from schools with a strong emphasis on SE skill development were more likely to enroll in college within two years of high school graduation. Longitudinal studies like this one are rare, however. Method. The focus of the present study is on the SE skills of 6662 students assessed during high school and their relationship with high school academic performance, standardized college admissions test performance, and ultimately postsecondary enrollment and retention. Results. We examined mean-level differences in household income, high school GPA, ACT Composite scores, and SE skills by college enrollment and retention status and found several significant differences, often favoring the enrolled or retained group. Moreover, we found support for the incremental validity of SE skills as they predicted enrollment and retention above household income, high school GPA, and ACT scores. Discussion. Understanding SE skills’ effects on later academic outcomes is important to help inform early SE skill intervention and development efforts in secondary and postsecondary settings. Additional implications and future directions are discussed. Full article