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Student effort response to shifts in university admission policies

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  • Rodriguez, Viviana

Abstract

Policies which change the incentives students face are important levers for policymakers to improve learning. I study a statewide postsecondary admissions policy in North Carolina which introduces minimum admission standards for students wishing to attend college in-state. Regression discontinuity estimates show that high school students respond by increasing GPA and decreasing absences and suspensions, suggesting increased engagement. However, I find that the boost in GPA is driven by students substituting away from demanding coursework. Finally, I document stark heterogeneity of response across demographics, as minority and less affluent students have higher effort allocations but do not engage in strategic course-taking.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodriguez, Viviana, 2023. "Student effort response to shifts in university admission policies," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:93:y:2023:i:c:s0272775723000146
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2023.102367
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