Factors predicting vertical transfer students’ GPA and degree attainment in an Asian educational context

Abstract

Vertical transfer has been an increasingly prominent pathway to baccalaureate studies. However, few studies have investigated factors that predict academic performance and degree attainment of vertical transfer students in an Asian educational context. This study gathered data from the institutional dataset of 4133 records of vertical transfer students admitted between 2014 and 2017 in Hong Kong. Logistic regression analyses yielded that being female, first-semester GPA, number of courses per normal semester, and number of courses per summer semester were significant predictors of baccalaureate degree attainment. Linear regression analyses showed that gender (being female), pre-transfer GPA, post-transfer GPA difference, articulating within the same institution, proportion of credits for non- specialized courses, and number of courses per summer semester were associated positively with final GPA of those attaining a degree, while the presence of transfer shock and the number of credits required per year of study were negative predictors. Discussion and implications are presented.