The Predictive Value of a School of Origin Variable in Pharmacy Student Academic Performance
William B. LobbChair and Associate Professor Noel E. Wilkin Ph.D.
Associate Professor David J. McCaffrey III Ph.D.
Dean Marvin C. Wilson Ph.D.
Associate Professor John P. Bentley Ph.D.
pages: 79 - 97
- DOI: 10.1300/J060v14n01_06
- Version of record first published: 31Oct2007
Abstract:
This project evaluated the predictive capabilities of a school of origin variable over and above the predictive capabilities of a model including pre-pharmacy math/science GPA, PCAT, and prior degree variables. Evaluating 6 years of pharmacy student admission and progression data from 1997 to 2002, the project explored a variable that designated the location where a majority of the pre-pharmacy course work was completed, either a 2-year or 4-year school. The regression models found that a school of origin variable contributed significantly to the predictive model of GPA and PCAT and accounted for more variance than prior degree in the prediction of first-semester and first-year pharmacy-student GPA. Defining a school of origin variable based upon the location of completion of the majority of pre-pharmacy course work aids in the prediction of first-year pharmacy students' academic performance in addition to a traditional model of PCAT and GPA and prior degree.