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Sibling effects on high school exam taking and performance

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  • Gurantz, Oded
  • Hurwitz, Michael
  • Smith, Jonathan

Abstract

Younger siblings take more advanced high school course end of year exams when their older siblings perform better in those same exams. Using a regression discontinuity and data from millions of siblings who take Advanced Placement (AP) exams, we show that younger siblings with older siblings who marginally “pass” an AP exam are more likely to take at least one AP exam, increase the total number of AP exams, and are more likely to take the same exam as their sibling. The largest impacts are found among sisters, but we do not see differential effects in coursework where females are underrepresented.

Suggested Citation

  • Gurantz, Oded & Hurwitz, Michael & Smith, Jonathan, 2020. "Sibling effects on high school exam taking and performance," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 534-549.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:178:y:2020:i:c:p:534-549
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2020.07.026
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