An analysis of the Provisional Summer Program (PSP) (1983-87) at Texas A & M University

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the Provisional Summer Program (PSP) at Texas A&M University (TAMU). Research questions investigated were: 1) how many PSP students achieve initial success, 2) how many PSP students achieve secondary success, 3) how many PSP students achieve terminal success, 4) what is the relationship between/among the combination of courses taken in a provisional status and the probability of success in completing the PSP, and 5) what are the relationships between/among gender, ethnicity, SAT scores and high school rank (quarter) and initial success in the PSP. A study population of 1911 "at risk" students who enrolled in the PSP (1983-87) were analyzed with respect to the research questions. This population was composed of 1704 White students, 143 Hispanic students and 26 Black students. The gender composition was 860 females and 1051 males. All PSP students had been denied regular admission to Texas A&M University. Major findings of the study included: 1. The terminal success (graduation) percentile of initially successful PSP students was 49%. 2. Analysis of the percentage of initially successful PSP students indicates that HSR and SAT scores, may not be accurate as sole predictors of students who attain initial success at TAMU. 3. The PSP is a viable alternative admission program for TAMU and "at risk" students. It may well serve as a model for other institutions of higher education who wish to incorporate an alternative admission program. Recommended areas for further research included: 1. The relationship between course combinations and PSP students' success should be considered to see if a determination of course order and/or pairing has an effect on PSP students success. 2. An investigation comparing the success of alternative admission programs available at Texas colleges and universities should be performed in order to ascertain the most successful types of programs for ethnic minorities.