Matching between students and universities: What are the sources of inequalities of access to higher education?

Abstract

It is assumed that a perfect balance between student academic achievement and university quality is beneficial both for students and higher education institutions (HEIs). Matching theory predicts the existence of perfect matching between the two groups in the absence of transaction costs associated with university enrollment. However, in this study we show cases of mismatch situations in Russia under the Unified State Exam (USE) -the standardized student admission mechanism. This research studies the reasons for this phenomenon for minimal transaction costs and the emergence of unequal access to HEIs. Based on data on Moscow high school graduates who entered university, the determinants of the mismatch between the quality of universities and applicant abilities are assessed. It is shown that although in most cases favorable matching results are established, the individual student achievement results themselves are subject to the influence of school and family characteristics. Thus, inequality of access can be formed at stages preceding HEI enrollment.

Социальная Дифференциация Образовательных Планов При Поступлении В Вузы

“…Ситуацию, когда выпускники школ поступают в менее престижные университеты, чем позволяют их академические достижения, принято называть академическим несоответствием (academic undermatch) [Deutschlander, 2017]. Вуз, который не соответствует академической успеваемости абитуриента, как правило, выбирают именно представители семей с низким СЭС [Roksa, Deutsch lander, 2018;Prakhov, Sergienko, 2017]. На основе данных МЭо прослеживается аналогичная тенденция: респонденты с высшим образованием более позитивно оценива-ют образовательные возможности своих детей (рис.…”

The determinants of expected returns on higher education in Russia: A human capital theory approach

“…In addition, individual USE results may be associated ('matched') with the type of university in which students enrol. There are studies that demonstrate favourable conditions for the perfect match between the quality of an applicant (his/her USE scores), and the quality of a university, calculated on the basis of the average USE score among admitted students (Prakhov & Sergienko, 2020). In turn, the quality of higher education (and higher education institution, or HEI) as a measure of investment in human capital after graduation can positively influence both expected (Prakhov, 2017) and actual salaries after graduation (Roshchin & Rudakov, 2016).…”

“…On the other hand, academic performance can itself be a function of individual, family and school characteristics (Prakhov, 2016a(Prakhov, , 2016bPrakhov & Sergienko, 2020). Thus, individual USE scores can be positively associated with student performance in secondary school, studying in schools with special status, in-depth study of | 307…”

“…PRAKHOV subjects or taking classes with a specialisation in certain subjects (Prakhov, 2016b;Prakhov & Sergienko, 2020).…”

Regional Accessibility of Higher Education In Russia

“…In other words, the USE represents a unified set of requirements and procedures, but individual educational opportunities differ across regions and towns. Previous studies have shown that factors, in addition to individual student's abilities, namely family and school characteristics, play an important role in determining accessibility to higher education (Anikina et al 2014;Konstantinovskiy 2010;Prakhov 2016a;Prakhov, Sergienko 2020;Sá et al 2006). In the regional context, the problem of access to higher education can manifest itself even more strongly.…”