Academic Performance in a University with Senior High School Entry Grades

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to determine if Senior High School entry grades used for university admission could predict final performance in Methodist University College Ghana (MUCG) and to establish the relationship that exist between entry grades E, D7 or E8 and final performance of students who entered MUCG with these grades. The study population comprises of students who entered MUCG with Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE)/West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. Out of this population, 888 students were selected from the academic years 2000/2001 to 2007/2008 for the study. Multiple regression, chi-square test of independence and correlation were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that there is a weak correlation between entry grades E, D7 or E8 and final cumulative grade point average in MUCG. Based on the findings, it is recommended that a standardized entrance examination should be conducted for Senior High School students who are not able to meet the initial admission requirement, especially those with at most two subjects being grades E/D7/E8.