Predictors of success and failure in a CS1 course

Abstract

We present the results of a survey that focuses on the backgrounds and expectations of a group of CS1 students in the first weeks of semester. When comparing their survey answers to their final grades on the course, we saw some surprising things: the group which indicated an intention to continue in computer science did no better than any other, and the strongest single indicator of success seems to be "expecting to get an A from the course."