Relationship between High School Math Course Selection and Retention Rates at Otterbein University

Author

Lauren A. FisherFollow

Date of Award

4-2015

Document Type

Honors Paper

Degree Name

Actuarial Science-BS

Department

Mathematical Sciences

Advisor

Matt McMullen

First Committee Member

Meredith Frey

Second Committee Member

Stephanie Patridge

Third Committee Member

Matt McMullen

Keywords

Otterbein University, Retention Rate, ACT Composite, High School Math, High School GPA, Logistic Regression

Subject Categories

Institutional and Historical | Multivariate Analysis | Other Applied Mathematics | Statistical Methodology | Statistical Models

Abstract

Binary logistic regression was used to study the relationship between high school math course selection and retention rates at Otterbein University. Graduation rates from postsecondary institutions are low in the United States and, more specifically, at Otterbein. This study is important in helping to determine what can raise retention rates, and ultimately, graduation rates. It directs focus toward high school math course selection and what should be changed before entering a post-secondary institution. Otterbein will have a better idea of what type of students to recruit and which students may be good candidates with some extra help. Recruiting is expensive, especially when the main purpose is having a higher retention rate because it leads to more funding and a more attractive appearing school to incoming students (Siekpe & Barksdale, 2013).

Recommended Citation

Fisher, Lauren A., "Relationship between High School Math Course Selection and Retention Rates at Otterbein University" (2015). Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects. 3.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_honor/3