North Carolina State University
2008 First-Year Student Survey:
Frequency Distributions of Survey Item #16
(Goal Development and Importance)

This document reports the frequency distributions by gender and race/ethnicity of survey item #16 of the Fall 2008 First-Year Student Survey. The exact wording of the survey item is as follows:

Below is a list of knowledge, skills, and personal development goals held by NC State for your undergraduate preparation. In the left-hand column (of the survey), please rate your current level of development using the following scale: 4=Excellent, 3=Good, 2=Fair, 1=Poor, 0=Don't know. In the right-hand column (of the survey), please rate how important this goal is to you right now, using the following scale: 4=Very important, 3=Somewhat important, 2=Not very important, 1=Not at all important, 0=Don't know)

Note: "Don't know" responses were excluded from the analyses.

Current Development: General Education Goals | Personal Development Goals | World View Goals
Goal Importance: General Education Goals | Personal Development Goals | World View Goals

General Education (Current Level of Development)

Writing skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.78	2.85	2.71	2.74	2.79	2.70
4: Excellent	12.2%	13.4%	11.1%	10.0%	12.4%	12.4%
3: Good	56.6%	60.3%	53.4%	55.3%	57.5%	51.3%
2: Fair	27.9%	24.0%	31.2%	33.2%	27.0%	30.4%
1: Poor	3.3%	2.3%	4.2%	1.4%	3.2%	5.8%
Total (N)	4,138	1,913	2,225	349	3,306	483

Speaking skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.80	2.80	2.81	2.91	2.81	2.68
4: Excellent	19.9%	20.3%	19.6%	23.6%	20.1%	16.4%
3: Good	46.2%	45.0%	47.3%	47.7%	46.4%	43.9%
2: Fair	28.2%	29.0%	27.6%	24.4%	28.1%	31.5%
1: Poor	5.6%	5.8%	5.5%	4.3%	5.4%	8.3%
Total (N)	4,132	1,909	2,223	348	3,301	483

Listening skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.21	3.25	3.17	3.32	3.20	3.17
4: Excellent	37.1%	39.9%	34.7%	44.3%	36.3%	37.1%
3: Good	48.1%	47.0%	49.1%	44.8%	49.0%	44.5%
2: Fair	13.2%	11.7%	14.4%	9.8%	13.0%	16.8%
1: Poor	1.6%	1.4%	1.8%	1.1%	1.6%	1.7%
Total (N)	4,133	1,907	2,226	348	3,302	483

Comprehension skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.11	3.06	3.15	3.03	3.12	3.08
4: Excellent	30.4%	26.8%	33.4%	26.3%	31.0%	28.6%
3: Good	51.6%	54.1%	49.4%	51.4%	51.5%	52.5%
2: Fair	16.4%	17.4%	15.6%	21.1%	15.8%	16.8%
1: Poor	1.7%	1.7%	1.6%	1.2%	1.7%	2.1%
Total (N)	4,128	1,905	2,223	346	3,300	482

Math skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.08	2.89	3.25	2.86	3.10	3.13
4: Excellent	36.6%	28.2%	43.7%	24.1%	37.5%	38.9%
3: Good	38.8%	38.2%	39.4%	42.3%	38.5%	38.7%
2: Fair	20.7%	27.7%	14.7%	29.3%	20.1%	18.9%
1: Poor	3.9%	5.9%	2.2%	4.3%	3.9%	3.5%
Total (N)	4,131	1,905	2,226	345	3,305	481

Understanding influence of science/technology	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.03	2.82	3.22	2.84	3.04	3.15
4: Excellent	32.0%	21.1%	41.4%	23.8%	32.1%	37.4%
3: Good	42.7%	44.5%	41.1%	43.0%	42.6%	42.6%
2: Fair	21.9%	29.4%	15.4%	26.7%	22.0%	17.3%
1: Poor	3.4%	5.0%	2.0%	6.4%	3.2%	2.7%
Total (N)	4,125	1,902	2,223	344	3,300	481

Apply scientific methods of inquiry	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.67	2.48	2.83	2.53	2.67	2.79
4: Excellent	17.4%	11.2%	22.6%	11.9%	17.0%	23.6%
3: Good	40.4%	37.4%	42.9%	38.2%	40.9%	37.9%
2: Fair	34.1%	40.2%	28.9%	40.3%	33.6%	32.8%
1: Poor	8.2%	11.3%	5.6%	9.6%	8.4%	5.7%
Total (N)	4,031	1,853	2,178	335	3,226	470

Computer skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.99	2.93	3.05	3.13	2.97	3.05
4: Excellent	29.3%	24.8%	33.2%	35.9%	28.0%	33.7%
3: Good	44.7%	47.6%	42.2%	42.2%	45.7%	39.7%
2: Fair	22.1%	23.1%	21.2%	20.7%	21.9%	24.6%
1: Poor	3.9%	4.5%	3.5%	1.1%	4.5%	2.1%
Total (N)	4,136	1,905	2,231	348	3,304	484

Logical reasoning skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.24	3.12	3.35	3.15	3.26	3.19
4: Excellent	37.9%	30.1%	44.7%	31.8%	38.9%	35.5%
3: Good	49.1%	53.0%	45.8%	51.7%	48.8%	49.4%
2: Fair	12.2%	15.9%	9.0%	16.5%	11.6%	13.7%
1: Poor	0.7%	1.0%	0.5%	.	0.7%	1.5%
Total (N)	4,131	1,909	2,222	346	3,303	482

Ability to adapt to changing technologies	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.21	3.07	3.32	3.23	3.19	3.27
4: Excellent	39.2%	30.9%	46.3%	41.6%	38.6%	41.6%
3: Good	44.1%	47.7%	41.0%	42.2%	44.2%	44.7%
2: Fair	14.9%	18.9%	11.6%	14.0%	15.3%	12.8%
1: Poor	1.8%	2.6%	1.1%	2.3%	1.9%	0.8%
Total (N)	4,118	1,896	2,222	344	3,291	483

Critical analysis of ideas	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.01	2.91	3.10	2.98	3.01	3.01
4: Excellent	25.7%	20.6%	30.0%	23.6%	25.7%	26.9%
3: Good	51.4%	52.2%	50.8%	51.6%	51.7%	49.4%
2: Fair	21.2%	25.0%	17.9%	23.9%	20.9%	21.3%
1: Poor	1.7%	2.2%	1.3%	0.9%	1.7%	2.5%
Total (N)	4,117	1,891	2,226	343	3,294	480

Using resources for research	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.83	2.95	2.73	2.99	2.81	2.91
4: Excellent	22.7%	28.3%	17.8%	30.1%	21.0%	28.7%
3: Good	42.8%	42.3%	43.3%	43.6%	43.4%	38.5%
2: Fair	29.7%	25.3%	33.4%	21.7%	30.8%	27.8%
1: Poor	4.8%	4.0%	5.5%	4.6%	4.8%	5.0%
Total (N)	4,123	1,903	2,220	346	3,299	478

Problem solving skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.15	3.03	3.25	3.01	3.17	3.16
4: Excellent	31.7%	24.8%	37.6%	24.9%	32.3%	32.4%
3: Good	52.7%	55.2%	50.6%	52.6%	52.9%	51.9%
2: Fair	14.7%	18.6%	11.4%	21.4%	14.0%	14.9%
1: Poor	0.8%	1.4%	0.4%	1.2%	0.8%	0.8%
Total (N)	4,131	1,906	2,225	346	3,303	482

Ability to plan and carry out projects independently	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.12	3.24	3.02	3.16	3.13	3.04
4: Excellent	33.6%	40.5%	27.7%	37.2%	33.7%	30.2%
3: Good	46.8%	44.1%	49.0%	43.8%	47.1%	46.3%
2: Fair	17.5%	14.1%	20.5%	16.4%	17.2%	20.4%
1: Poor	2.2%	1.4%	2.8%	2.6%	2.0%	3.1%
Total (N)	4,124	1,906	2,218	347	3,297	480

Understanding of diverse cultures and values	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.98	3.16	2.82	3.33	2.88	3.37
4: Excellent	31.1%	39.1%	24.1%	50.0%	26.0%	52.2%
3: Good	39.9%	39.9%	39.8%	34.8%	41.2%	34.4%
2: Fair	24.6%	18.5%	29.9%	13.5%	27.7%	11.7%
1: Poor	4.5%	2.5%	6.2%	1.7%	5.1%	1.7%
Total (N)	4,112	1,905	2,207	348	3,285	479

Broad general education	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.21	3.27	3.16	3.26	3.21	3.23
4: Excellent	35.1%	37.8%	32.8%	37.8%	34.5%	37.1%
3: Good	52.0%	51.9%	52.2%	51.5%	52.4%	50.0%
2: Fair	12.0%	9.8%	13.8%	9.3%	12.2%	11.9%
1: Poor	0.9%	0.5%	1.3%	1.5%	0.9%	1.0%
Total (N)	4,106	1,899	2,207	344	3,282	480

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Personal Development Goals (Current Level of Development)

Taking responsbility for my own behavior	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.51	3.57	3.46	3.69	3.50	3.48
4: Excellent	58.1%	62.0%	54.9%	72.1%	56.9%	56.3%
3: Good	35.7%	33.9%	37.2%	24.7%	36.7%	36.8%
2: Fair	5.6%	3.8%	7.2%	2.9%	5.9%	5.8%
1: Poor	0.5%	0.4%	0.7%	0.3%	0.5%	1.0%
Total (N)	4,136	1,910	2,226	348	3,307	481

Value lifelong learning	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.42	3.51	3.34	3.58	3.39	3.45
4: Excellent	51.5%	56.7%	47.0%	64.6%	49.7%	54.2%
3: Good	39.2%	37.5%	40.6%	28.7%	40.6%	37.3%
2: Fair	8.8%	5.4%	11.7%	6.7%	9.2%	7.5%
1: Poor	0.6%	0.4%	0.7%	.	0.5%	1.0%
Total (N)	4,122	1,907	2,215	345	3,297	480

Recognize and act on ethical principles	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.34	3.43	3.27	3.45	3.33	3.38
4: Excellent	45.7%	50.6%	41.5%	52.6%	44.2%	50.8%
3: Good	43.8%	42.0%	45.4%	39.9%	45.1%	37.9%
2: Fair	9.5%	6.8%	11.8%	6.9%	9.8%	9.4%
1: Poor	1.0%	0.6%	1.3%	0.6%	0.9%	1.9%
Total (N)	4,115	1,899	2,216	346	3,289	480

Ability to lead others	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.05	3.09	3.02	3.18	3.05	2.93
4: Excellent	31.1%	33.4%	29.2%	38.6%	31.0%	26.7%
3: Good	45.5%	44.2%	46.7%	42.1%	46.0%	44.5%
2: Fair	20.5%	20.1%	20.8%	18.2%	20.2%	23.8%
1: Poor	2.9%	2.3%	3.3%	1.2%	2.7%	5.0%
Total (N)	4,129	1,904	2,225	347	3,299	483

Ability to work in teams	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.38	3.40	3.35	3.53	3.37	3.30
4: Excellent	48.1%	49.4%	47.0%	61.3%	47.0%	46.1%
3: Good	42.3%	42.2%	42.3%	30.1%	43.9%	39.6%
2: Fair	8.8%	7.8%	9.7%	8.7%	8.3%	12.4%
1: Poor	0.8%	0.6%	1.0%	.	0.8%	1.9%
Total (N)	4,131	1,906	2,225	346	3,303	482

Ability to organize successful group project	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.15	3.25	3.06	3.26	3.14	3.08
4: Excellent	33.4%	38.8%	28.8%	39.5%	33.1%	31.2%
3: Good	49.5%	48.5%	50.3%	47.8%	49.7%	48.9%
2: Fair	15.4%	11.7%	18.6%	11.5%	15.6%	16.6%
1: Poor	1.7%	1.0%	2.3%	1.2%	1.6%	3.3%
Total (N)	4,122	1,905	2,217	347	3,294	481

Taking initiative to improve work	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.13	3.20	3.07	3.24	3.13	3.09
4: Excellent	33.0%	36.8%	29.8%	40.6%	32.4%	32.0%
3: Good	48.9%	48.1%	49.6%	44.3%	49.7%	46.9%
2: Fair	16.3%	14.0%	18.3%	13.3%	16.3%	18.9%
1: Poor	1.7%	1.2%	2.3%	1.7%	1.7%	2.3%
Total (N)	4,129	1,910	2,219	345	3,302	482

Exercising public responsiblity and community	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.02	3.12	2.94	3.09	3.01	3.03
4: Excellent	28.0%	31.5%	24.9%	32.6%	27.2%	30.0%
3: Good	48.6%	50.3%	47.1%	45.0%	49.4%	45.6%
2: Fair	21.1%	16.7%	24.8%	20.9%	21.0%	21.3%
1: Poor	2.4%	1.5%	3.2%	1.5%	2.4%	3.1%
Total (N)	4,099	1,898	2,201	340	3,279	480

Understand my own abilities and interests	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.29	3.29	3.29	3.42	3.28	3.27
4: Excellent	42.5%	42.6%	42.4%	49.9%	41.8%	41.7%
3: Good	45.4%	45.1%	45.6%	42.8%	45.6%	45.4%
2: Fair	11.1%	11.3%	10.9%	7.0%	11.5%	11.2%
1: Poor	1.1%	1.1%	1.0%	0.3%	1.1%	1.7%
Total (N)	4,119	1,902	2,217	341	3,296	482

Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.14	3.09	3.18	3.11	3.16	3.00
4: Excellent	37.9%	34.3%	41.1%	38.7%	38.6%	33.1%
3: Good	40.9%	43.3%	38.8%	37.6%	41.6%	38.5%
2: Fair	18.2%	19.3%	17.2%	19.9%	17.2%	23.6%
1: Poor	3.0%	3.1%	2.9%	3.8%	2.7%	4.8%
Total (N)	4,122	1,905	2,217	346	3,298	478

Self-confidence	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.02	2.95	3.09	3.27	3.01	2.94
4: Excellent	30.7%	26.5%	34.2%	43.8%	29.3%	30.5%
3: Good	45.2%	46.4%	44.2%	41.4%	46.4%	39.6%
2: Fair	19.9%	22.3%	17.9%	13.0%	20.1%	23.4%
1: Poor	4.2%	4.8%	3.7%	1.7%	4.1%	6.4%
Total (N)	4,129	1,908	2,221	345	3,302	482

Realizing my potential for success	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.15	3.12	3.17	3.37	3.13	3.13
4: Excellent	34.7%	32.6%	36.5%	49.4%	32.9%	36.5%
3: Good	47.2%	48.9%	45.8%	39.8%	48.7%	42.3%
2: Fair	16.3%	16.6%	16.0%	9.4%	16.7%	18.8%
1: Poor	1.8%	2.0%	1.7%	1.5%	1.8%	2.5%
Total (N)	4,113	1,901	2,212	342	3,291	480

Sense of personal identity	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.24	3.26	3.23	3.41	3.23	3.21
4: Excellent	39.9%	40.2%	39.6%	52.0%	38.7%	39.5%
3: Good	46.1%	46.8%	45.4%	37.8%	47.2%	44.3%
2: Fair	12.6%	11.9%	13.2%	9.6%	12.7%	14.3%
1: Poor	1.5%	1.1%	1.8%	0.6%	1.5%	1.9%
Total (N)	4,105	1,897	2,208	344	3,280	481

Coping with change	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.98	2.91	3.04	3.10	2.95	3.05
4: Excellent	26.6%	24.3%	28.6%	33.9%	25.3%	30.4%
3: Good	48.4%	46.9%	49.8%	44.9%	48.8%	48.5%
2: Fair	20.9%	23.7%	18.5%	18.3%	21.8%	16.9%
1: Poor	4.0%	5.1%	3.1%	2.9%	4.1%	4.2%
Total (N)	4,103	1,898	2,205	345	3,284	474

Independence and self reliance	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.25	3.29	3.22	3.37	3.25	3.17
4: Excellent	41.2%	43.6%	39.2%	48.1%	41.0%	38.1%
3: Good	43.8%	42.8%	44.7%	41.1%	44.3%	42.5%
2: Fair	13.6%	12.4%	14.6%	10.8%	13.3%	17.3%
1: Poor	1.4%	1.2%	1.5%	.	1.4%	2.1%
Total (N)	4,116	1,901	2,215	343	3,293	480

Ability to handle stress	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.89	2.70	3.06	2.95	2.88	2.90
4: Excellent	24.8%	16.4%	32.0%	29.7%	23.9%	27.3%
3: Good	44.8%	44.3%	45.2%	40.6%	45.5%	42.6%
2: Fair	25.2%	31.9%	19.5%	24.5%	25.6%	23.3%
1: Poor	5.2%	7.4%	3.3%	5.2%	4.9%	6.8%
Total (N)	4,132	1,909	2,223	347	3,301	484

Time management	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.64	2.69	2.59	2.63	2.66	2.51
4: Excellent	17.9%	19.3%	16.7%	18.6%	18.2%	15.4%
3: Good	37.8%	39.9%	36.0%	37.4%	38.1%	35.9%
2: Fair	34.5%	31.8%	36.8%	32.5%	34.9%	33.0%
1: Poor	9.9%	9.0%	10.6%	11.6%	8.8%	15.7%
Total (N)	4,116	1,904	2,212	345	3,292	479

Self discipline	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.11	3.11	3.10	3.28	3.10	3.03
4: Excellent	34.7%	34.2%	35.2%	44.9%	33.6%	35.4%
3: Good	44.4%	45.8%	43.3%	39.4%	45.7%	39.2%
2: Fair	17.7%	17.3%	18.2%	14.5%	18.0%	18.2%
1: Poor	3.1%	2.8%	3.3%	1.2%	2.7%	7.1%
Total (N)	4,120	1,906	2,214	345	3,298	477

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World View Goals (Current Development)

Understanding world issues	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.85	2.76	2.93	2.97	2.82	2.95
4: Excellent	20.9%	17.1%	24.2%	27.7%	19.3%	27.3%
3: Good	47.0%	46.6%	47.5%	45.2%	47.5%	45.1%
2: Fair	28.0%	31.4%	25.1%	23.3%	29.3%	22.5%
1: Poor	4.0%	5.0%	3.2%	3.8%	3.9%	5.0%
Total (N)	4,094	1,899	2,195	343	3,272	479

Understanding the present as it relates to history	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	2.77	2.64	2.88	2.88	2.76	2.78
4: Excellent	20.5%	15.7%	24.7%	28.9%	19.3%	22.9%
3: Good	42.0%	40.3%	43.3%	35.4%	43.2%	38.3%
2: Fair	31.8%	36.6%	27.6%	30.4%	31.8%	32.4%
1: Poor	5.8%	7.4%	4.4%	5.3%	5.7%	6.3%
Total (N)	4,088	1,894	2,194	342	3,271	475

Ability to work with diverse people	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.34	3.44	3.25	3.62	3.27	3.57
4: Excellent	46.3%	52.0%	41.5%	66.3%	41.7%	64.0%
3: Good	41.9%	40.7%	42.9%	29.3%	45.1%	28.6%
2: Fair	11.0%	6.9%	14.4%	4.4%	12.2%	7.4%
1: Poor	0.8%	0.5%	1.1%	.	1.0%	.
Total (N)	4,090	1,896	2,194	341	3,274	475

Appreciation for the arts, music, and literature	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.11	3.29	2.95	3.24	3.08	3.22
4: Excellent	42.7%	51.1%	35.4%	47.1%	41.6%	47.2%
3: Good	31.9%	30.5%	33.1%	33.5%	31.6%	32.2%
2: Fair	19.2%	14.9%	23.0%	15.9%	20.0%	15.9%
1: Poor	6.2%	3.5%	8.5%	3.5%	6.7%	4.7%
Total (N)	4,086	1,902	2,184	340	3,274	472

Tolerance for divergent views	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.15	3.25	3.06	3.37	3.10	3.32
4: Excellent	36.1%	40.1%	32.6%	47.8%	33.0%	49.1%
3: Good	45.2%	46.4%	44.3%	41.6%	47.0%	35.6%
2: Fair	16.0%	12.2%	19.3%	10.0%	16.9%	13.8%
1: Poor	2.6%	1.4%	3.7%	0.6%	3.0%	1.5%
Total (N)	4,079	1,892	2,187	339	3,263	477

Appreciating gender equity	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.59	3.71	3.48	3.71	3.56	3.66
4: Excellent	64.8%	73.2%	57.4%	74.6%	62.7%	72.1%
3: Good	29.8%	24.3%	34.6%	22.2%	31.7%	22.4%
2: Fair	4.5%	2.3%	6.5%	2.6%	4.7%	4.6%
1: Poor	0.9%	0.2%	1.5%	0.6%	0.9%	0.8%
Total (N)	4,090	1,899	2,191	342	3,271	477

Appreciating racial equity	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.57	3.68	3.47	3.78	3.53	3.71
4: Excellent	64.4%	72.2%	57.6%	80.5%	61.1%	75.8%
3: Good	29.0%	24.1%	33.3%	17.2%	31.6%	19.8%
2: Fair	5.6%	3.3%	7.6%	2.3%	6.2%	4.2%
1: Poor	0.9%	0.3%	1.5%	.	1.1%	0.2%
Total (N)	4,097	1,899	2,198	343	3,279	475

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General Education (Level of Importance)

Writing skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.29	3.49	3.11	3.69	3.23	3.41
4: Very Important	48.0%	58.5%	39.1%	74.1%	43.9%	57.7%
3: Somewhat important	36.1%	33.4%	38.4%	21.6%	38.7%	28.8%
2: Not very important	12.6%	7.1%	17.3%	3.2%	13.9%	10.5%
1: Not at all important	3.3%	1.0%	5.2%	1.2%	3.5%	2.9%
Total (N)	4,097	1,895	2,202	343	3,279	475

Speaking skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.50	3.63	3.39	3.77	3.46	3.59
4: Very Important	61.0%	69.5%	53.6%	81.3%	57.9%	67.7%
3: Somewhat important	29.7%	24.7%	34.1%	15.2%	32.0%	24.7%
2: Not very important	7.7%	5.0%	10.0%	3.2%	8.3%	6.1%
1: Not at all important	1.6%	0.8%	2.3%	0.3%	1.8%	1.5%
Total (N)	4,101	1,900	2,201	342	3,285	474

Listening skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.61	3.71	3.53	3.80	3.59	3.65
4: Very Important	68.5%	75.8%	62.2%	83.4%	66.4%	72.6%
3: Somewhat important	25.2%	19.9%	29.8%	14.3%	27.0%	21.0%
2: Not very important	5.3%	3.5%	6.7%	1.7%	5.7%	4.9%
1: Not at all important	1.0%	0.7%	1.3%	0.6%	1.0%	1.5%
Total (N)	4,104	1,896	2,208	343	3,290	471

Comprehension skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.64	3.70	3.59	3.80	3.62	3.70
4: Very Important	70.1%	74.1%	66.6%	83.6%	68.0%	74.8%
3: Somewhat important	24.8%	22.3%	26.9%	12.9%	26.5%	21.1%
2: Not very important	4.5%	3.2%	5.7%	3.5%	4.9%	3.0%
1: Not at all important	0.6%	0.4%	0.8%	.	0.6%	1.1%
Total (N)	4,104	1,896	2,208	341	3,290	473

Math skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.48	3.41	3.55	3.57	3.47	3.54
4: Very Important	60.9%	55.6%	65.5%	67.4%	59.6%	65.3%
3: Somewhat important	28.4%	31.7%	25.6%	23.8%	29.3%	25.6%
2: Not very important	8.9%	10.8%	7.2%	7.1%	9.2%	7.4%
1: Not at all important	1.8%	2.0%	1.7%	1.8%	1.8%	1.7%
Total (N)	4,088	1,887	2,201	340	3,276	472

Understanding influence of science/technology	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.34	3.27	3.40	3.33	3.33	3.40
4: Very Important	51.3%	47.4%	54.7%	52.3%	50.6%	55.5%
3: Somewhat important	33.7%	35.0%	32.5%	31.3%	34.3%	30.5%
2: Not very important	12.4%	14.4%	10.7%	13.7%	12.3%	12.5%
1: Not at all important	2.6%	3.2%	2.1%	2.6%	2.7%	1.5%
Total (N)	4,098	1,890	2,208	342	3,284	472

Apply scientific methods of inquiry	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.14	3.06	3.20	3.20	3.12	3.18
4: Very Important	41.2%	38.3%	43.8%	47.3%	40.4%	42.6%
3: Somewhat important	35.5%	34.7%	36.2%	29.0%	36.1%	36.0%
2: Not very important	18.9%	22.0%	16.4%	19.8%	18.9%	18.6%
1: Not at all important	4.3%	5.0%	3.7%	3.8%	4.6%	2.8%
Total (N)	4,027	1,850	2,177	338	3,222	467

Computer skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.51	3.49	3.53	3.64	3.50	3.53
4: Very Important	60.4%	58.9%	61.8%	70.8%	59.3%	61.3%
3: Somewhat important	31.6%	32.7%	30.6%	23.7%	32.5%	30.9%
2: Not very important	6.8%	7.0%	6.7%	4.7%	7.0%	6.9%
1: Not at all important	1.1%	1.3%	1.0%	0.9%	1.2%	0.8%
Total (N)	4,096	1,889	2,207	342	3,279	475

Logical reasoning skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.64	3.64	3.64	3.68	3.63	3.69
4: Very Important	69.2%	68.8%	69.6%	71.8%	68.4%	73.2%
3: Somewhat important	26.1%	26.4%	25.8%	25.0%	26.7%	22.6%
2: Not very important	4.2%	4.4%	4.1%	2.6%	4.4%	4.0%
1: Not at all important	0.5%	0.4%	0.5%	0.6%	0.5%	0.2%
Total (N)	4,103	1,897	2,206	344	3,285	474

Ability to adapt to changing technologies	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.53	3.52	3.54	3.60	3.52	3.57
4: Very Important	62.6%	62.8%	62.4%	68.5%	61.7%	64.6%
3: Somewhat important	29.3%	28.1%	30.3%	23.9%	29.9%	28.8%
2: Not very important	7.1%	7.8%	6.6%	7.0%	7.4%	5.7%
1: Not at all important	1.0%	1.3%	0.7%	0.6%	1.0%	0.8%
Total (N)	4,099	1,892	2,207	343	3,281	475

Critical analysis of ideas	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.54	3.57	3.52	3.69	3.51	3.62
4: Very Important	61.8%	63.7%	60.1%	72.3%	59.6%	69.0%
3: Somewhat important	31.0%	30.0%	31.8%	24.8%	32.5%	24.5%
2: Not very important	6.7%	5.8%	7.5%	2.3%	7.3%	5.9%
1: Not at all important	0.5%	0.6%	0.5%	0.6%	0.5%	0.6%
Total (N)	4,093	1,893	2,200	343	3,276	474

Using resources for research	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.32	3.45	3.21	3.55	3.28	3.42
4: Very Important	48.5%	55.7%	42.3%	64.1%	45.7%	56.1%
3: Somewhat important	37.0%	34.7%	38.9%	27.8%	38.6%	32.3%
2: Not very important	12.7%	8.4%	16.4%	7.2%	13.7%	9.5%
1: Not at all important	1.8%	1.1%	2.4%	0.9%	1.9%	2.1%
Total (N)	4,100	1,895	2,205	345	3,281	474

Problem solving skills	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.64	3.65	3.64	3.72	3.63	3.68
4: Very Important	69.1%	70.2%	68.1%	75.2%	67.9%	72.8%
3: Somewhat important	26.6%	25.3%	27.7%	21.6%	27.7%	22.3%
2: Not very important	4.0%	4.1%	3.9%	2.9%	4.0%	4.6%
1: Not at all important	0.4%	0.4%	0.3%	0.3%	0.4%	0.2%
Total (N)	4,104	1,897	2,207	343	3,286	475

Ability to plan and carry out projects independently	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.60	3.69	3.51	3.73	3.57	3.64
4: Very Important	66.4%	73.8%	60.1%	77.0%	64.6%	71.3%
3: Somewhat important	27.3%	22.2%	31.7%	19.8%	28.9%	22.2%
2: Not very important	5.7%	3.6%	7.5%	2.6%	6.0%	5.9%
1: Not at all important	0.6%	0.4%	0.7%	0.6%	0.5%	0.6%
Total (N)	4,099	1,894	2,205	343	3,282	474

Understanding of diverse cultures and values	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.34	3.55	3.16	3.71	3.27	3.57
4: Very Important	52.7%	64.4%	42.6%	77.6%	48.1%	66.8%
3: Somewhat important	31.7%	27.2%	35.6%	16.9%	34.3%	24.1%
2: Not very important	12.6%	7.3%	17.2%	4.7%	14.1%	8.2%
1: Not at all important	3.0%	1.1%	4.7%	0.9%	3.5%	0.8%
Total (N)	4,084	1,893	2,191	344	3,267	473

Broad general education	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.59	3.69	3.51	3.71	3.58	3.63
4: Very Important	67.6%	74.0%	62.0%	76.9%	66.1%	71.0%
3: Somewhat important	25.3%	21.6%	28.5%	17.8%	26.5%	22.4%
2: Not very important	6.0%	4.0%	7.8%	4.4%	6.3%	5.3%
1: Not at all important	1.1%	0.3%	1.7%	0.9%	1.0%	1.3%
Total (N)	4,073	1,882	2,191	342	3,262	469

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Personal Development Goals (Level of Importance)

Taking responsbility for my own behavior	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.80	3.86	3.74	3.88	3.78	3.84
4: Very Important	82.5%	88.1%	77.7%	90.1%	81.2%	86.3%
3: Somewhat important	14.7%	10.2%	18.5%	8.4%	15.8%	11.6%
2: Not very important	2.6%	1.6%	3.4%	1.2%	2.8%	1.9%
1: Not at all important	0.2%	0.1%	0.3%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%
Total (N)	4,104	1,903	2,201	344	3,287	473

Value lifelong learning	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.64	3.73	3.56	3.80	3.61	3.71
4: Very Important	70.6%	76.8%	65.2%	82.6%	68.3%	77.5%
3: Somewhat important	23.6%	20.0%	26.8%	15.4%	25.4%	16.9%
2: Not very important	5.1%	2.8%	7.1%	1.7%	5.5%	4.9%
1: Not at all important	0.7%	0.5%	0.9%	0.3%	0.8%	0.6%
Total (N)	4,096	1,899	2,197	344	3,280	472

Recognize and act on ethical principles	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.64	3.76	3.54	3.74	3.62	3.70
4: Very Important	70.7%	79.0%	63.6%	77.3%	69.2%	76.2%
3: Somewhat important	23.6%	18.2%	28.3%	19.8%	24.8%	18.5%
2: Not very important	4.9%	2.6%	6.9%	2.3%	5.2%	4.7%
1: Not at all important	0.7%	0.2%	1.2%	0.6%	0.8%	0.6%
Total (N)	4,088	1,893	2,195	343	3,274	471

Ability to lead others	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.54	3.58	3.50	3.67	3.52	3.57
4: Very Important	62.7%	64.9%	60.8%	72.7%	61.2%	65.8%
3: Somewhat important	29.3%	28.6%	29.9%	22.4%	30.5%	25.9%
2: Not very important	7.2%	5.7%	8.4%	4.7%	7.4%	7.4%
1: Not at all important	0.9%	0.8%	1.0%	0.3%	0.9%	0.8%
Total (N)	4,095	1,900	2,195	344	3,280	471

Ability to work in teams	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.67	3.71	3.64	3.76	3.66	3.70
4: Very Important	71.7%	74.9%	69.0%	78.5%	70.6%	74.6%
3: Somewhat important	24.0%	21.4%	26.2%	19.2%	24.9%	21.4%
2: Not very important	3.9%	3.4%	4.3%	2.0%	4.2%	3.4%
1: Not at all important	0.4%	0.3%	0.5%	0.3%	0.4%	0.6%
Total (N)	4,093	1,900	2,193	344	3,276	473

Ability to organize successful group project	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.52	3.57	3.47	3.64	3.50	3.55
4: Very Important	59.8%	63.8%	56.3%	68.5%	58.2%	64.0%
3: Somewhat important	33.1%	30.4%	35.5%	27.7%	34.3%	28.8%
2: Not very important	6.4%	5.3%	7.2%	3.5%	6.8%	5.1%
1: Not at all important	0.7%	0.5%	0.9%	0.3%	0.6%	2.1%
Total (N)	4,094	1,898	2,196	343	3,279	472

Taking initiative to improve work	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.67	3.74	3.61	3.74	3.66	3.71
4: Very Important	71.9%	77.6%	67.0%	78.1%	70.6%	76.4%
3: Somewhat important	23.7%	19.5%	27.3%	18.4%	24.9%	19.0%
2: Not very important	4.1%	2.7%	5.3%	3.2%	4.2%	3.8%
1: Not at all important	0.3%	0.3%	0.4%	0.3%	0.3%	0.8%
Total (N)	4,094	1,898	2,196	342	3,278	474

Exercising public responsiblity and community	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.46	3.57	3.36	3.62	3.43	3.52
4: Very Important	57.1%	64.2%	51.1%	68.9%	55.0%	63.3%
3: Somewhat important	32.8%	29.2%	35.9%	24.9%	34.4%	27.3%
2: Not very important	8.6%	6.1%	10.8%	5.0%	9.2%	7.6%
1: Not at all important	1.4%	0.5%	2.2%	1.2%	1.4%	1.7%
Total (N)	4,084	1,895	2,189	341	3,271	472

Understand my own abilities and interests	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.69	3.77	3.61	3.81	3.67	3.71
4: Very Important	73.2%	79.4%	67.8%	82.8%	71.8%	75.9%
3: Somewhat important	22.7%	18.7%	26.2%	15.1%	24.0%	19.4%
2: Not very important	3.8%	1.7%	5.5%	1.7%	3.9%	4.4%
1: Not at all important	0.3%	0.2%	0.5%	0.3%	0.3%	0.2%
Total (N)	4,098	1,899	2,199	344	3,280	474

Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.72	3.80	3.65	3.76	3.71	3.70
4: Very Important	75.9%	82.2%	70.5%	79.1%	75.8%	74.6%
3: Somewhat important	20.3%	15.8%	24.3%	18.3%	20.3%	21.6%
2: Not very important	3.2%	1.7%	4.5%	2.3%	3.3%	3.4%
1: Not at all important	0.5%	0.3%	0.7%	0.3%	0.6%	0.4%
Total (N)	4,094	1,898	2,196	344	3,278	472

Self-confidence	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.73	3.79	3.67	3.84	3.72	3.73
4: Very Important	77.2%	82.0%	73.1%	85.8%	76.2%	78.5%
3: Somewhat important	18.9%	15.7%	21.6%	12.8%	19.8%	16.9%
2: Not very important	3.3%	1.8%	4.7%	1.2%	3.6%	3.4%
1: Not at all important	0.6%	0.5%	0.6%	0.3%	0.5%	1.3%
Total (N)	4,098	1,899	2,199	344	3,280	474

Realizing my potential for success	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.68	3.76	3.61	3.84	3.66	3.68
4: Very Important	73.1%	78.9%	68.1%	85.5%	71.7%	74.3%
3: Somewhat important	22.4%	18.6%	25.6%	13.1%	23.6%	20.3%
2: Not very important	4.0%	2.2%	5.5%	1.2%	4.2%	4.2%
1: Not at all important	0.6%	0.3%	0.8%	0.3%	0.5%	1.3%
Total (N)	4,097	1,898	2,199	344	3,279	474

Sense of personal identity	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.66	3.77	3.57	3.80	3.65	3.66
4: Very Important	72.1%	80.3%	65.0%	82.0%	70.8%	73.5%
3: Somewhat important	22.7%	17.0%	27.7%	15.7%	23.7%	20.8%
2: Not very important	4.6%	2.5%	6.3%	2.3%	4.8%	4.2%
1: Not at all important	0.6%	0.2%	1.0%	.	0.6%	1.5%
Total (N)	4,085	1,894	2,191	344	3,269	472

Coping with change	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.58	3.69	3.49	3.71	3.57	3.59
4: Very Important	65.5%	73.4%	58.6%	75.5%	64.0%	68.7%
3: Somewhat important	28.0%	22.9%	32.5%	20.7%	29.4%	23.7%
2: Not very important	5.7%	3.3%	7.8%	2.9%	6.0%	6.0%
1: Not at all important	0.8%	0.4%	1.1%	0.9%	0.6%	1.7%
Total (N)	4,087	1,896	2,191	343	3,275	469

Independence and self reliance	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.74	3.83	3.67	3.83	3.73	3.76
4: Very Important	77.6%	84.5%	71.7%	84.0%	76.6%	80.3%
3: Somewhat important	19.3%	14.1%	23.8%	14.9%	20.3%	15.9%
2: Not very important	2.6%	1.3%	3.7%	1.2%	2.7%	3.4%
1: Not at all important	0.4%	0.1%	0.7%	.	0.5%	0.4%
Total (N)	4,089	1,894	2,195	343	3,273	473

Ability to handle stress	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.73	3.81	3.66	3.83	3.71	3.77
4: Very Important	76.8%	83.2%	71.3%	84.6%	75.3%	81.2%
3: Somewhat important	19.7%	14.9%	23.9%	14.0%	21.0%	15.0%
2: Not very important	3.2%	1.8%	4.3%	1.5%	3.3%	3.4%
1: Not at all important	0.3%	0.1%	0.5%	.	0.3%	0.4%
Total (N)	4,097	1,898	2,199	344	3,279	474

Time management	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.77	3.86	3.70	3.87	3.76	3.83
4: Very Important	80.7%	87.2%	75.1%	88.7%	79.1%	86.1%
3: Somewhat important	16.2%	11.4%	20.3%	9.6%	17.6%	11.0%
2: Not very important	2.9%	1.3%	4.2%	1.7%	3.0%	3.0%
1: Not at all important	0.2%	0.1%	0.4%	.	0.3%	.
Total (N)	4,098	1,899	2,199	345	3,279	474

Self discipline	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.77	3.84	3.71	3.87	3.75	3.82
4: Very Important	80.0%	85.5%	75.2%	88.4%	78.4%	85.0%
3: Somewhat important	17.1%	12.8%	20.8%	10.8%	18.4%	12.5%
2: Not very important	2.7%	1.6%	3.6%	0.6%	3.0%	2.3%
1: Not at all important	0.2%	0.1%	0.4%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%
Total (N)	4,092	1,898	2,194	344	3,275	473

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World View Goals (Level of Importance)

Understanding world issues	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.55	3.64	3.47	3.63	3.54	3.57
4: Very Important	63.5%	69.2%	58.6%	68.8%	62.6%	66.5%
3: Somewhat important	29.0%	26.1%	31.6%	25.6%	29.9%	25.4%
2: Not very important	6.3%	4.0%	8.3%	5.7%	6.4%	6.1%
1: Not at all important	1.1%	0.7%	1.4%	.	1.1%	1.9%
Total (N)	4,045	1,873	2,172	336	3,237	472

Understanding the present as it relates to history	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.31	3.38	3.25	3.44	3.30	3.33
4: Very Important	49.4%	52.3%	47.0%	55.7%	48.5%	51.6%
3: Somewhat important	35.0%	35.2%	34.9%	33.9%	35.5%	33.0%
2: Not very important	12.9%	10.9%	14.7%	8.9%	13.4%	12.2%
1: Not at all important	2.6%	1.7%	3.4%	1.5%	2.6%	3.2%
Total (N)	4,024	1,867	2,157	336	3,221	467

Ability to work with diverse people	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.60	3.74	3.49	3.82	3.57	3.69
4: Very Important	68.3%	77.5%	60.3%	83.1%	65.8%	75.1%
3: Somewhat important	25.0%	19.3%	29.8%	15.4%	26.8%	19.4%
2: Not very important	5.7%	2.9%	8.1%	1.5%	6.2%	4.9%
1: Not at all important	1.1%	0.3%	1.7%	.	1.2%	0.6%
Total (N)	4,045	1,877	2,168	337	3,238	470

Appreciation for the arts, music, and literature	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.26	3.44	3.10	3.41	3.23	3.32
4: Very Important	50.6%	59.1%	43.3%	56.0%	49.6%	54.0%
3: Somewhat important	29.5%	27.7%	31.1%	31.0%	29.3%	29.6%
2: Not very important	14.9%	11.2%	18.2%	11.3%	15.8%	11.1%
1: Not at all important	5.0%	2.0%	7.5%	1.8%	5.2%	5.3%
Total (N)	4,033	1,874	2,159	336	3,227	470

Tolerance for divergent views	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.50	3.64	3.37	3.67	3.47	3.56
4: Very Important	61.5%	70.5%	53.7%	74.3%	59.3%	67.7%
3: Somewhat important	28.4%	24.1%	32.2%	19.1%	30.2%	23.1%
2: Not very important	8.3%	4.8%	11.4%	6.3%	8.7%	7.1%
1: Not at all important	1.7%	0.6%	2.6%	0.3%	1.8%	2.1%
Total (N)	4,030	1,871	2,159	335	3,227	468

Appreciating gender equity	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.66	3.79	3.54	3.82	3.64	3.67
4: Very Important	73.3%	82.8%	65.0%	85.4%	71.6%	76.1%
3: Somewhat important	20.7%	14.4%	26.2%	11.9%	22.2%	17.1%
2: Not very important	4.5%	2.2%	6.5%	2.1%	4.8%	4.7%
1: Not at all important	1.5%	0.5%	2.3%	0.6%	1.5%	2.1%
Total (N)	4,031	1,873	2,158	336	3,227	468

Appreciating racial equity	NCSU	Women	Men	AfAm	White	Other
Mean Rating	3.67	3.79	3.56	3.89	3.64	3.70
4: Very Important	73.9%	82.7%	66.3%	90.2%	71.7%	77.6%
3: Somewhat important	20.4%	14.4%	25.6%	8.6%	22.2%	16.5%
2: Not very important	4.2%	2.5%	5.8%	0.9%	4.6%	4.5%
1: Not at all important	1.4%	0.4%	2.3%	0.3%	1.6%	1.5%
Total (N)	4,029	1,871	2,158	336	3,225	468

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For more information on the 2008 First-Year Student Survey contact:
Dr. Nancy Whelchel, Associate Director for Survey Research
Office of Institutional Planning and Research
Box 7002
NCSU
Phone: (919) 515-4184
Email: Nancy_Whelchel@ncsu.edu

Posted: March, 2009

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