Balancing excellence and equity in predictive college admissions: insights from the University of the Philippines
Published in Education Economics, 2024
Abstract
The University of the Philippines (UP) uses high school grades and standardized test scores for predictive admissions, balancing academic performance with affirmative action for underprivileged applicants. Using a novel UP panel dataset, I find that high school grades better predict academic performance, while entrance exam scores reflect background characteristics. Simulations suggest that reducing the weight of standardized exams boosts the qualification rates for public and private school students, but lowers it for science high schools and Metro Manila students. The findings indicate that relying more on grades could enhance both excellence and equity in college admissions.Recommended citation: Punongbayan, J.C.B. (2024). "Balancing excellence and equity in predictive college admissions: insights from the University of the Philippines." Education Economics, 1-24.
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