Reports that 500 Canadian university students who had transferred from colleges were more satisfied with the college experience than the university experience, and relied on a different support system at university than at college. Discusses counseling and information services to assist in the transfer decision. Contains 34 references. (SV)

Used focus group interviews to compare the first-semester experiences of students clustered for both their first-year seminar and English composition class and students taking only their first-year seminar together. Found that clustered students were more satisfied with the seminar, experienced greater peer support, enjoyed better relationships…

This paper reports on the first phase of a study of the experiences of a small group of students (35) that have entered an "elite" Scottish university directly from Further Education (FE) colleges where they have studied Higher National Certificate and Diploma courses. Students' experiences were gathered through in-depth interviews and a…

Universities in South Africa face the challenge of redressing past (and continuing) inequalities in higher education by increasing accessibility to previously (and currently) disadvantaged students. One means of doing so is through 'access' or 'bridging' programmes. This article explores successful students' perceptions of one such programme at…

This article describes the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine's Program for Advanced Standing Students (PASS) which provides graduates of foreign dental schools with an intensive summer program to prepare them for integration with four-year students for the last two years of didactic and clinical curriculum. A survey of 72 PASS…

Analysis of writing samples from 135 students and interviews with 6 students about their experiences as sixth graders centered around 4 questions: (1) informants about school; (2) amount of stress; (3) safety; and (4) students' perception of school. Outlines activities that might improve the informant role of parents, siblings and peers, and…

Discusses results of a study examining self-perceptions of students moving from middle level to high schools. Kids reported a significant drop in perceived physical appearance, job competence, romantic appeal, conduct, and global self-worth. A transition team can help eighth graders develop an understanding of the academic rigors and cocurricular…

This study examined the before-and-after effects of transitional summer programs at the University of Maryland?Eastern Shore, on pre-college students? perceptions, expectations, emotions, and knowledge about college. The study focused on academic, personal and social experiences, and how these changed throughout the course of the summer program.…

Early entrance from secondary school to university, based on the principle of optimal match, is a rare but highly effective educational strategy for many gifted students. The University of Washington offers two early entrance options for gifted adolescents: the Early Entrance Program for students prior to age 15, and the UW Academy for Young…

The Transitional Class Program is a joint effort of the New York City Board of Education and the Community School Districts to provide a positive learning experience for children in their early school years who have fallen behind their peers. This preliminary report describes the program and examines its impact on student attendance. Student…

An instrument for measuring student opinions about Britain's Technical and Vocational Education Initiative (TVEI) was administered to 189 TVEI students and 272 in traditional curricula. Teacher opinions were also solicited. The instrument measured the effect of proximity to TVEI programs, gender, and attainment; comparison over time with other…

This study examines high school expectancies in a sample of at-risk, rural youth, and how these expectancies relate to 8th grade functioning, 9th grade functioning, and 9th grade experiences of high school. A total of 76 eighth-graders and their parents, drawn from a larger study of the transition to high school, participated in interviews the…

During the 1986-87 academic year, 1,115 high school seniors participated in the College Now (CN) program of New York's Kingsborough Community College. A study was undertaken to assess the academic progress of the 463 students who subsequently enrolled in any City University of New York (CUNY) college during the fall of 1987. To determine…

Experimental Transitional Program designed in accord with current transition years philosophy for grade-nine students (n=137) was evaluated to examine impact on student attitude. No attitudinal benefits were evident on a variety of measures. In fact, student attitude was seen to deteriorate over the course of the year regardless of type of…

A future-based assessment/intervention model is proposed for improved programing for students with mental retardation. The model is an extension of curriculum-based assessment but takes into consideration students' abilities and individual goals and objectives. The assessment model is linked closely with instruction and is particularly valuable…