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Another chance: Number of exam retakes and university students’ outcomes

Author

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  • Bratti, Massimiliano
  • Granato, Silvia
  • Havari, Enkelejda

Abstract

Using a difference-in-differences design, we demonstrate that a policy reducing the number of exam retakes per year at one Italian university significantly improved students’ first-year outcomes, resulting in lower dropout rates, increased exam pass rates, and enhanced credit accumulation. Only a small share of these improvements can be explained by changes in the average quality of students enrolling after the reform. The policy also raised on-time graduation rates – the reform’s main objective – without adversely affecting students’ grade point average. Overall, our findings suggest that a cost-effective intervention, such as limiting exam retakes, can substantially enhance student progression and reduce the age at graduation.

Suggested Citation

  • Bratti, Massimiliano & Granato, Silvia & Havari, Enkelejda, 2026. "Another chance: Number of exam retakes and university students’ outcomes," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eecrev:v:183:y:2026:i:c:s0014292125002727
    DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2025.105222
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Veronica Frisancho & Sebastian Gallegos & Constanza González, 2026. "Lasting Effects of Retaking College Admission Exams," Working Papers 2026-004, Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group.

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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