Screening freshmen computer science majors

Abstract

Ten factors were studied to determine their relationship to success in the first computer science course (Programming Concepts and Problem Solving) for majors. The ten factors studied were the following: high school grade point average, ACT scores (English, math, social science, natural science, and composite), Nelson Denny Reading scores (vocabulary, comprehension, and total grade equivalent), and the UTM Math Placement Test score. Of these placement factors, only the ACT English score and the UTM math placement test were significant in reducing the failure rate in the first course in computer science for majors. The ACT English score was the single best predictor of success. © 1986, ACM. All rights reserved.