Predicting the Success of Freshman Engineers

An awareness and commitment rating was assessed for a freshman engineering class to determine whether this type of non-intellective measure could help improve the predictability of academic success. The total sample was broken into subsamples based on the interview condition of the student: staff interview; alumni interview; or no interview. The existence of a factor defined as awareness/commitment was supported. For the total sample a significant correlation was found, but at a very low level. For the subsample interviewed by staff, a correlation of .31 was determined. This relationship suggests the possibility of real usefulness for the admissions interview in identifying the factor of awareness and commitment, and thereby improving the prediction of academic success in a professional curriculum such as engineering.