| Increased instructional demands on engineering schools for chemical and petroleum graduates, caused by variations in energy prices, has led to efforts to better define and assess the competencies of students entering these fields. The standard of measurement of these competencies is that of freshman grade point average. Required competencies include problem-solving ability, computer literacy, a knowledge of mathematics, and communications skills. Correlations of GPA with other readily available high school transcript data of high school rank and SAT scores is the traditional predictor of success or nonsuccess, or degree of competency, for these students.;The following variables were found to be meaningful predictors of freshman GPA: (1) SAT scores; (2) High school rank relative to class size; (3) Advanced placement status; (4) Grades in high school science courses; (5) Grades in high school mathematics courses.;From these variables, five equations were developed for use by the counselor or advisor in placing or advising entering students. These predictive equations yielded an R('2) value of approximately 0.54.;Recommendations for future efforts included: (1) More women should be encouraged to enter either of these two specific fields. Since their present enrollment is only on the order of 15 to 25 percent and apparently levelled at this point, further efforts should be made to allow them to exhibit their competencies in chemical and petroleum engineering. (2) There should be a concerted effort by the leading colleges of engineering to heighten the awareness of high school and junior high counselors of necessary engineering competencies. Formation of a task force at each university to provide the necessary support to counselors should be a cost-effective means to reduce unsuccessful student disappointment.;This study was concerned with different combinations of predictors than the traditional ones presently in use. Data from 307 students enrolled in chemical and petroleum engineering at Texas Tech University between 1972 and 1977 were subjected to statistical analysis using the procedure of multiple linear regression. |
