Certificate-based admission and scoring models

The objective of this research project is to establish the statistical link between the scoring model used and the choice of upper secondary-level subjects and student admission to universities. The research is based on available register data and student admissions made between 2015 and 2021. The project focuses on descriptions of statistical connections, as no such variation is evident in the scoring models used that would enable the study of causal relationships.

The project aims to answer three broad research questions through more specific sub-questions: 1) How does the scoring model used in certificate-based admissions affect student admissions? a) How does changing the relative weight of the matriculation examination subjects in the scoring change which and what kinds of applicants will be selected, assuming that the changes have no impact on the choices made by applicants? 2) How does the scoring model used in certificate-based admissions affect the success and retention of university students in their studies? 3) How does the scoring model used in certificate-based admissions affect the subject-related choices of upper secondary school students and their commitment to them, the division of matriculation examination attempts and retakes, the duration of upper secondary studies, the possibility of participating in an extensive range of upper secondary studies according to one’s personal interests, and the professional fields students choose to pursue?

The project is funded by: The University of Helsinki

Partners: Labore, OTUS

Responsible researcher: Tuomo Virkola, [email protected], +358 295 519 464