North Carolina State University
2009 First-Year Student Survey:
Gender and Racial/Ethnic Comparisons
Preparation for College
This document reports gender and racial/ethnic differences in how well respondents are preparation for college, such as high school preparation, participation in pre-college programs, and current development of various knowledge, skills, and personal development goals. For information about the survey and analysis methods see "2009 First-Year Student Survey: Introduction, Methods, and Student Demographic Profile". Exact question wording is available on the web or by clicking on the "Q" next to the table heading.
High School Preparation | Self Preparation | Participation in Pre-College Programs
Knowledge, Skills, and Personal Development:
Current Development
Importance
Scatterplots: Comparisons of Goal Ratings
| High School preparation for college | NCSU | Men | Women | Asian Amer |
Black / AfrAmer |
Hispanic |
White |
Other / Unknown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very well | 40.4% | 40.9% | 39.8% | 43.0% | 34.3% | 39.4% | 40.5% | 43.9% |
| Somewhat well | 49.5% | 48.7% | 50.4% | 50.0% | 55.1% | 52.3% | 49.1% | 46.6% |
| Not very well | 10.1% | 10.4% | 9.8% | 7.0% | 10.6% | 8.3% | 10.4% | 9.5% |
| Total (N) | 3,071 | 1,557 | 1,514 | 158 | 236 | 109 | 2,347 | 221 |
| Self preparation for college | NCSU | Men | Women | Asian Amer |
Black / AfrAmer |
Hispanic |
White |
Other / Unknown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very well | 42.8% | 41.9% | 43.8% | 34.2% | 38.7% | 39.4% | 43.9% | 44.2% |
| Somewhat well | 54.1% | 54.4% | 53.8% | 57.6% | 58.3% | 58.7% | 53.3% | 53.9% |
| Not very well | 3.0% | 3.7% | 2.4% | 8.2% | 3.0% | 1.8% | 2.9% | 1.8% |
| Total (N) | 3,053 | 1,545 | 1,508 | 158 | 235 | 109 | 2,334 | 217 |
| NCSU | Men | Women | Asian Amer |
Black / AfrAmer |
Hispanic |
White |
Other / Unknown |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Talent Search | 3.1% | 3.1% | 3.1% | 3.0% | 6.4% | 2.7% | 2.5% | 5.7% |
| Upward Bound | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.6% | 1.6% | 0.9% | 0.5% | 1.7% |
| GEAR UP | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0.0% | 2.8% | 0.9% | 0.8% | 1.3% |
| Early College | 3.3% | 3.4% | 3.3% | 3.6% | 6.8% | 1.8% | 2.8% | 6.1% |
| Total (N) | 3,237 | 1,649 | 1,588 | 169 | 249 | 110 | 2,479 | 230 |
Back to Top Q Knowledge, Skills, and Personal Development Current Development
| General Education Goals | Mean Rating (4=Excellent, 3=Good, 2=Fair, 1=Poor) |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All |
Men |
Women |
Asian Amer |
Black / AfrAmer |
Hispanic |
White |
Other / Unknown |
|
| Development: Logical reasoning skills | 3.32 | 3.41 | 3.21 | 3.15 | 3.29 | 3.21 | 3.32 | 3.44 |
| Development: Ability to adapt to changing technologies | 3.30 | 3.38 | 3.22 | 3.39 | 3.36 | 3.27 | 3.29 | 3.29 |
| Development: Listening skills | 3.30 | 3.26 | 3.33 | 3.28 | 3.34 | 3.31 | 3.29 | 3.32 |
| Development: Ability to plan/carry out projects independently | 3.26 | 3.15 | 3.36 | 3.15 | 3.21 | 3.12 | 3.28 | 3.18 |
| Development: Problem-solving skills | 3.23 | 3.31 | 3.14 | 3.10 | 3.20 | 2.99 | 3.26 | 3.16 |
| Development: Computer skills | 3.11 | 3.14 | 3.08 | 3.24 | 3.24 | 3.06 | 3.09 | 3.13 |
| Development: Comprehension skills | 3.10 | 3.14 | 3.06 | 3.01 | 3.06 | 3.13 | 3.11 | 3.09 |
| Development: Using mathematics skills | 3.09 | 3.23 | 2.94 | 3.12 | 2.95 | 2.97 | 3.10 | 3.11 |
| Development: Ability to critically analyze ideas and information | 3.08 | 3.15 | 3.02 | 3.00 | 3.08 | 3.04 | 3.09 | 3.11 |
| Development: Understanding everyday influence of science/technology | 3.07 | 3.24 | 2.89 | 3.10 | 3.06 | 3.00 | 3.07 | 3.11 |
| Development: Understanding of diverse cultures and values | 3.04 | 2.94 | 3.13 | 3.38 | 3.40 | 3.45 | 2.94 | 3.27 |
| Development: Using books/journals/articles from library/internet for research | 2.88 | 2.75 | 3.01 | 2.88 | 2.91 | 2.79 | 2.88 | 2.89 |
| Development: Speaking skills | 2.83 | 2.82 | 2.83 | 2.69 | 2.92 | 2.79 | 2.84 | 2.72 |
| Development: Writing skills | 2.80 | 2.74 | 2.86 | 2.65 | 2.79 | 2.82 | 2.81 | 2.77 |
| Development: Applying scientific methods of inquiry | 2.76 | 2.92 | 2.60 | 2.76 | 2.68 | 2.76 | 2.76 | 2.85 |
Back to Top
| Personal Development Goals | Mean Rating (4=Excellent, 3=Good, 2=Fair, 1=Poor) |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All |
Men |
Women |
Asian Amer |
Black / AfrAmer |
Hispanic |
White |
Other / Unknown |
|
| Development: Ability to function as part of a team | 3.48 | 3.46 | 3.51 | 3.47 | 3.58 | 3.44 | 3.48 | 3.48 |
| Development: Recognizing and acting upon ethical principles | 3.37 | 3.32 | 3.43 | 3.27 | 3.54 | 3.41 | 3.36 | 3.36 |
| Development: Ability to organize steps to complete group project | 3.26 | 3.15 | 3.38 | 3.18 | 3.35 | 3.21 | 3.27 | 3.21 |
| Development: Personal growth | 3.25 | 3.25 | 3.24 | 3.13 | 3.31 | 3.25 | 3.25 | 3.25 |
| Development: Taking the initiative improve my work | 3.23 | 3.17 | 3.29 | 3.22 | 3.34 | 3.14 | 3.23 | 3.18 |
| Development: Self-discipline | 3.12 | 3.12 | 3.12 | 2.95 | 3.20 | 3.10 | 3.13 | 3.11 |
| Development: Ability to lead or guide others | 3.11 | 3.08 | 3.14 | 2.89 | 3.22 | 3.01 | 3.12 | 3.05 |
| Development: Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle | 3.11 | 3.16 | 3.06 | 2.95 | 3.07 | 2.95 | 3.14 | 3.04 |
| Development: Self-confidence | 3.06 | 3.14 | 2.97 | 2.93 | 3.26 | 2.99 | 3.05 | 3.04 |
| Development: Exercising public responsibility/community service | 3.05 | 2.92 | 3.18 | 2.93 | 3.17 | 2.98 | 3.04 | 3.08 |
| Development: Ability to handle stress | 2.87 | 3.05 | 2.69 | 2.87 | 2.91 | 2.84 | 2.86 | 2.96 |
| Development: Time management | 2.66 | 2.56 | 2.76 | 2.39 | 2.62 | 2.54 | 2.69 | 2.60 |
Back to Top
| World View Goals | Mean Rating (4=Excellent, 3=Good, 2=Fair, 1=Poor) |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All |
Men |
Women |
Asian Amer |
Black / AfrAmer |
Hispanic |
White |
Other / Unknown |
|
| Development: Appreciating gender equity | 3.65 | 3.60 | 3.71 | 3.71 | 3.77 | 3.65 | 3.63 | 3.65 |
| Development: Appreciating racial equity | 3.60 | 3.56 | 3.65 | 3.66 | 3.82 | 3.76 | 3.56 | 3.68 |
| Development: Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds | 3.43 | 3.38 | 3.47 | 3.59 | 3.67 | 3.71 | 3.37 | 3.45 |
| Development: Tolerance for divergent views | 3.27 | 3.23 | 3.30 | 3.44 | 3.39 | 3.49 | 3.22 | 3.35 |
| Development: Appreciation for arts, music, literature | 3.17 | 3.05 | 3.29 | 3.20 | 3.26 | 3.47 | 3.14 | 3.21 |
| Development: Understanding present as it relates to history | 2.99 | 3.09 | 2.89 | 2.99 | 3.05 | 3.09 | 2.98 | 3.00 |
| Development: Understanding world issues/problems | 2.88 | 2.97 | 2.79 | 2.91 | 2.94 | 3.07 | 2.85 | 3.01 |
Back to Top Importance
| General Education Goals | Mean Rating (4=Very important, 3=Somewhat important, 2=Not very important, 1=Not at all important) |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All |
Men |
Women |
Asian Amer |
Black / AfrAmer |
Hispanic |
White |
Other / Unknown |
|
| Importance: Comprehension skills | 3.72 | 3.67 | 3.78 | 3.75 | 3.85 | 3.77 | 3.71 | 3.70 |
| Importance: Problem-solving skills | 3.71 | 3.72 | 3.70 | 3.73 | 3.74 | 3.68 | 3.71 | 3.71 |
| Importance: Ability to plan/carry out projects independently | 3.70 | 3.63 | 3.76 | 3.76 | 3.79 | 3.70 | 3.69 | 3.68 |
| Importance: Listening skills | 3.70 | 3.63 | 3.78 | 3.73 | 3.82 | 3.75 | 3.68 | 3.73 |
| Importance: Logical reasoning skills | 3.70 | 3.71 | 3.69 | 3.75 | 3.74 | 3.64 | 3.70 | 3.71 |
| Importance: Ability to adapt to changing technologies | 3.61 | 3.62 | 3.60 | 3.64 | 3.74 | 3.63 | 3.59 | 3.61 |
| Importance: Ability to critically analyze ideas and information | 3.59 | 3.58 | 3.60 | 3.68 | 3.72 | 3.57 | 3.57 | 3.61 |
| Importance: Computer skills | 3.58 | 3.58 | 3.59 | 3.68 | 3.75 | 3.54 | 3.57 | 3.52 |
| Importance: Speaking skills | 3.57 | 3.48 | 3.65 | 3.67 | 3.80 | 3.68 | 3.53 | 3.59 |
| Importance: Using mathematics skills | 3.57 | 3.64 | 3.49 | 3.73 | 3.61 | 3.56 | 3.55 | 3.54 |
| Importance: Using books/journals/articles from library/internet for research | 3.46 | 3.35 | 3.58 | 3.56 | 3.66 | 3.53 | 3.43 | 3.50 |
| Importance: Understanding everyday influence of science/technology | 3.41 | 3.48 | 3.34 | 3.58 | 3.51 | 3.40 | 3.40 | 3.37 |
| Importance: Understanding of diverse cultures and values | 3.39 | 3.23 | 3.56 | 3.62 | 3.76 | 3.63 | 3.32 | 3.49 |
| Importance: Writing skills | 3.33 | 3.17 | 3.49 | 3.46 | 3.62 | 3.45 | 3.28 | 3.40 |
| Importance: Applying scientific methods of inquiry | 3.21 | 3.26 | 3.15 | 3.30 | 3.30 | 3.26 | 3.18 | 3.28 |
Back to Top
| Personal Development Goals | Mean Rating (4=Very important, 3=Somewhat important, 2=Not very important, 1=Not at all important) |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All |
Men |
Women |
Asian Amer |
Black / AfrAmer |
Hispanic |
White |
Other / Unknown |
|
| Importance: Time management | 3.82 | 3.77 | 3.88 | 3.84 | 3.89 | 3.88 | 3.81 | 3.82 |
| Importance: Ability to handle stress | 3.79 | 3.74 | 3.85 | 3.79 | 3.88 | 3.84 | 3.78 | 3.85 |
| Importance: Self-discipline | 3.78 | 3.75 | 3.82 | 3.81 | 3.86 | 3.81 | 3.77 | 3.76 |
| Importance: Self-confidence | 3.76 | 3.74 | 3.79 | 3.78 | 3.88 | 3.79 | 3.75 | 3.79 |
| Importance: Ability to function as part of a team | 3.75 | 3.72 | 3.77 | 3.80 | 3.82 | 3.71 | 3.74 | 3.73 |
| Importance: Personal growth | 3.75 | 3.70 | 3.79 | 3.75 | 3.87 | 3.78 | 3.73 | 3.80 |
| Importance: Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle | 3.74 | 3.69 | 3.80 | 3.76 | 3.78 | 3.78 | 3.74 | 3.76 |
| Importance: Taking the initiative improve my work | 3.72 | 3.67 | 3.77 | 3.69 | 3.79 | 3.72 | 3.72 | 3.71 |
| Importance: Recognizing and acting upon ethical principles | 3.65 | 3.57 | 3.72 | 3.65 | 3.83 | 3.73 | 3.63 | 3.61 |
| Importance: Ability to organize steps to complete group project | 3.61 | 3.55 | 3.68 | 3.59 | 3.77 | 3.64 | 3.60 | 3.60 |
| Importance: Ability to lead or guide others | 3.58 | 3.54 | 3.62 | 3.67 | 3.71 | 3.61 | 3.56 | 3.57 |
| Importance: Exercising public responsibility/community service | 3.49 | 3.37 | 3.62 | 3.42 | 3.72 | 3.53 | 3.47 | 3.50 |
Back to Top
| World View Goals | Mean Rating (4=Very important, 3=Somewhat important, 2=Not very important, 1=Not at all important) |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All |
Men |
Women |
Asian Amer |
Black / AfrAmer |
Hispanic |
White |
Other / Unknown |
|
| Importance: Appreciating racial equity | 3.67 | 3.58 | 3.76 | 3.70 | 3.92 | 3.80 | 3.63 | 3.72 |
| Importance: Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds | 3.66 | 3.58 | 3.74 | 3.69 | 3.89 | 3.78 | 3.62 | 3.68 |
| Importance: Appreciating gender equity | 3.65 | 3.56 | 3.75 | 3.63 | 3.86 | 3.67 | 3.63 | 3.67 |
| Importance: Understanding world issues/problems | 3.59 | 3.54 | 3.64 | 3.63 | 3.73 | 3.67 | 3.57 | 3.59 |
| Importance: Tolerance for divergent views | 3.57 | 3.47 | 3.66 | 3.63 | 3.79 | 3.73 | 3.53 | 3.59 |
| Importance: Understanding present as it relates to history | 3.33 | 3.32 | 3.34 | 3.34 | 3.54 | 3.49 | 3.30 | 3.35 |
| Importance: Appreciation for arts, music, literature | 3.27 | 3.15 | 3.40 | 3.34 | 3.47 | 3.60 | 3.23 | 3.29 |
Back to Top
Scatterplots: Comparisons of Goal Ratings
Scatterplot Comparing Goal Development and Goal Importance Ratings (All Respondents)
| 1 Appreciating gender equity | 18 Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle |
|---|---|
| 2 Appreciating racial equity | 19 Ability to lead or guide others |
| 3 Ability to function as part of a team | 20 Comprehension skills |
| 4 Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds | 21 Using mathematics skills |
| 5 Recognizing and acting upon ethical principles | 22 Ability to critically analyze ideas and information |
| 6 Logical reasoning skills | 23 Understanding everyday influence of science/technology |
| 7 Ability to adapt to changing technologies | 24 Self-confidence |
| 8 Listening skills | 25 Exercising public responsibility/community service |
| 9 Tolerance for divergent views | 26 Understanding of diverse cultures and values |
| 10 Ability to organize steps to complete group project | 27 Understanding present as it relates to history |
| 11 Ability to plan/carry out projects independently | 28 Using books/journals/articles from library/internet for research |
| 12 Personal growth | 29 Understanding world issues/problems |
| 13 Taking the initiative improve my work | 30 Ability to handle stress |
| 14 Problem-solving skills | 31 Speaking skills |
| 15 Appreciation for arts, music, literature | 32 Writing skills |
| 16 Self-discipline | 33 Applying scientific methods of inquiry |
| 17 Computer skills | 34 Time management |
Back to Top
| 1 Appreciating gender equity | 18 Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle |
|---|---|
| 2 Appreciating racial equity | 19 Ability to lead or guide others |
| 3 Ability to function as part of a team | 20 Comprehension skills |
| 4 Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds | 21 Using mathematics skills |
| 5 Recognizing and acting upon ethical principles | 22 Ability to critically analyze ideas and information |
| 6 Logical reasoning skills | 23 Understanding everyday influence of science/technology |
| 7 Ability to adapt to changing technologies | 24 Self-confidence |
| 8 Listening skills | 25 Exercising public responsibility/community service |
| 9 Tolerance for divergent views | 26 Understanding of diverse cultures and values |
| 10 Ability to organize steps to complete group project | 27 Understanding present as it relates to history |
| 11 Ability to plan/carry out projects independently | 28 Using books/journals/articles from library/internet for research |
| 12 Personal growth | 29 Understanding world issues/problems |
| 13 Taking the initiative improve my work | 30 Ability to handle stress |
| 14 Problem-solving skills | 31 Speaking skills |
| 15 Appreciation for arts, music, literature | 32 Writing skills |
| 16 Self-discipline | 33 Applying scientific methods of inquiry |
| 17 Computer skills | 34 Time management |
Back to Top
| 1 Appreciating gender equity | 18 Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle |
|---|---|
| 2 Appreciating racial equity | 19 Ability to lead or guide others |
| 3 Ability to function as part of a team | 20 Comprehension skills |
| 4 Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds | 21 Using mathematics skills |
| 5 Recognizing and acting upon ethical principles | 22 Ability to critically analyze ideas and information |
| 6 Logical reasoning skills | 23 Understanding everyday influence of science/technology |
| 7 Ability to adapt to changing technologies | 24 Self-confidence |
| 8 Listening skills | 25 Exercising public responsibility/community service |
| 9 Tolerance for divergent views | 26 Understanding of diverse cultures and values |
| 10 Ability to organize steps to complete group project | 27 Understanding present as it relates to history |
| 11 Ability to plan/carry out projects independently | 28 Using books/journals/articles from library/internet for research |
| 12 Personal growth | 29 Understanding world issues/problems |
| 13 Taking the initiative improve my work | 30 Ability to handle stress |
| 14 Problem-solving skills | 31 Speaking skills |
| 15 Appreciation for arts, music, literature | 32 Writing skills |
| 16 Self-discipline | 33 Applying scientific methods of inquiry |
| 17 Computer skills | 34 Time management |
Back to Top
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: May, 2010
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