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Lasting Effects of Retaking College Admission Exams

Author

Listed:
  • Veronica Frisancho

    (CAF Development Bank of Latin America)

  • Sebastian Gallegos

    (Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez)

  • Constanza González

    (Universidad Adolfo Ibañez)

Abstract

Do second chances at a high-stakes admission exam yield long-term gains? Leveraging fifteen years of Chilean administrative data and an RDD, we examine the causal effects of retaking on educational and labor market trajectories. Narrowly missing a preferred program cutoff triggers a 44% increase in retaking, leading to substantial score gains (0.27 SD) and improved placement and enrollment chances. However, these immediate gains do not persist. Retakers graduate at the same rate and from programs with similar earnings and employability profiles as their counterfactual peers. Our results suggest that retaking serves as a reshuffling mechanism yielding null net welfare gains.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:hka:wpaper:2026-004
    Note: MIP
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    File URL: http://humcap.uchicago.edu/RePEc/hka/wpaper/Frisancho_Gallegos_Gonzalez_2026_lasting-effects-college-exams.pdf
    File Function: First version, March 10, 2026
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • N36 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Latin America; Caribbean
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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