The Freshman Interest Group Program at the University of Washington: Effects on Retention and Scholarship

Abstract

This paper reports on the impact of the University of Washington's Freshman Interest Group (FIG) Program on retention and scholarship. Matriculated freshmen from Autumn 1988 and 1989 were compared using the institution's student data base. The most encouraging results are from the course comparisons, which clearly show that more students stay in a competitive course if they are in a FIG. There is a small difference in overall retention levels which is in favor of students who participate in the FIG Program. The difference in overall grade point average was significantly better for FIG students even after adjusting for academic potential. Generally, the results were mixed for comparisons of grade point averages in specific courses.