A statistical investigation into the admissions criteria for the Electrical- and Mechanical Engineering courses at the Peninsula Technikon

Abstract

Concern was expressed by the School of Electrical- and Mechanical Engineering and Computer Data Processing (School of EMC) regarding the School's admissions criteria for the Electrical- and Mechanical Engineering courses. Admission to these courses was primarily based on candidates' matric performance. The results of an aptitude test were used as a secondary criterion in selecting "academically risk" students. This investigation focused mainly on the following issues: The use of cut-off points in matric results and an aptitude test as admissions criteria. Identification of Matric subjects and/or aptitude test components that might assist in the selection of potentially successful of candidates. This study reports on Chaid and discriminant analyses performed to identify the important predictors of successful study. From the results of these tests regression models were constructed that were used to determine expected pass rates in first semester subjects. The Swedish rating was the best predictor of successful first semester study. An admissions Swedish score of at least 35 is recommended. The aptitude test total was found to be not significant in identifying potentially successful candidates. However, individual aptitude test components were significant in describing performance in specific first semester subjects.