Understanding the importance of graduate admissions criteria according to prospective graduate students

Abstract

Understanding perceptions of graduate admissions from multiple stakeholders can cultivate an improved understanding about the process of graduate induction, the role that admissions plays in restricting diversity in physics, and contribute to more informed practices for all involved. Prior studies in graduate admissions have reported on how certain admission criteria weigh in the consideration of applicants primarily from faculty perspectives. Motivated by the concept of multivocal knowledge, in this article, we report on prospective students' perspectives of the importance of the same admission criteria-a stakeholder group that is critical but underempowered in the admissions process. We identify a substantial agreement between students and faculty regarding the importance of recommendation letters, undergraduate math or physics GPA, and standardized exam scores (GRE). On the other hand, students rated several criteria, including personal statements, prior research experiences, publications, and familiarity with department as significantly more important than did faculty. A perceived "overimportance" of criteria may be detrimental to students' admissions-related decision making and reduce their chances of success, so these results emphasize the importance of taking students' perspectives into account in the admissions process.

Bias, Fairness, and Validity in Graduate Admissions: A Psychometric Perspective

“…Resumes or CVs are often used to assess research experience, as well as other credentials such as the prestige of the applicant's undergraduate institution. Although there is a lack of research on whether undergraduate research experience translates into success in graduate school, faculty view it as an important admissions criterion across a number of disciplines (Chari & Potvin, 2019;Norcross et al, 2005;Pashak et al, 2012). Researchers also view research involvement as a valuable experience for undergraduate students (Lei & Chuang, 2009).…”

Basic Skills of Students: Reading, Mathematics and Science

“…Bringing educational processes closer to the labor market is a more common requirement. In this way, there are changes in working methods in the teaching of disciplines (Chari and Potvin, 2019).…”

The Level of Education of Graduates in Romania in the Context of Globalization

“…Parents 'school experience also influences students' attitudes towards education [3,4]. The graduated educational institution, through the way in which the research and the development of the courses are carried out, influences the decisions that the graduates make regarding their future career and success [5]. Knowing how to manage your own knowledge is a skill that teachers can pass on to future graduates [6,7].…”