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First-in-their-family students at university: Can non-cognitive skills compensate for social origin?

Author

Listed:
  • Rebecca Edwards

    (University of Sydney)

  • Rachael Gibson

    (University of Sydney)

  • Colm Harmon

    (University of Edinburgh & IZA Bonn)

  • Stefanie Schurer

    (University of Sydney)

Abstract

We study the role of non-cognitive skills (NCS) in university readiness and performance of first-in-family students (FIFS) using both nationally representative survey data and linked survey-administrative data on an incoming student cohort at a leading Australian university. In both data sources we find that FIFS enter university with lower cognitive skills (-0.3 SD), but with the same NCS as non-FIFS. FIFS have 0.24 SD lower grade-point averages (GPA) and are up to 50 percent more likely to drop-out after Year 1 than non-FIFS. Yet, FIFS catch up with non-FIFS by the end of Year 2. Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Openness (when adjusting for measurement error with anchoring vignettes), and Locus of Control (when allowing for non-linearities) are predictive of GPA. High levels of Conscientiousness offset FIFS performance penalties; low levels exacerbate them, especially when controlling for measurement error. Our findings accentuate the importance of NCS as facilitator of educational mobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca Edwards & Rachael Gibson & Colm Harmon & Stefanie Schurer, 2021. "First-in-their-family students at university: Can non-cognitive skills compensate for social origin?," CEPEO Working Paper Series 21-03, UCL Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities, revised Mar 2021.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucl:cepeow:21-03
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    1. Nikki Shure & Larissa Zierow, 2023. "High Achieving First-Generation University Students," CESifo Working Paper Series 10832, CESifo.
    2. Shure, Nikki & Zierow, Larissa, 2023. "High Achieving First-Generation University Students," IZA Discussion Papers 16654, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Non-cognitive skills; university performance; socioeconomic gradient in education; first-in-family; linked survey and administrative data; anchoring vignettes.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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