Abstract:
The aim of the research was to identify the factors which influence the
academic performance and the drop out of students in Sri Lankan Universities.
The major findings are given below:-
1. GCE A Level aggregate marks which are held to determine academic ability at
entry is identified academic
performance. It is also relevant to the drop out of students who require pre-entry
subject specific knowledge for their courses at university.
2. The results at the first examination is a significant predictor of degree completion.
3. Students entering with high marks generally graduated with a class. This linkage
is more marked for students who require pre-entry subject specific knowledge at
university.
4. Students from urban districts generally enter with higher marks than those from
rural districts and they have a higher pass rate at examinations than those from rural
districts.
5. Students entering on their first attempt have entered with higher marks than
repeaters and they have a higher pass rate at examinations than the latter.
6. When students are classified according to either gender or medium, the group that
entering with high marks at A Level has a higher pass rate at an examination than the
other group that enters with lower marks.
