Survey of Academic Orientations Scores and Persistence in College Freshmen

This study examined whether six academic orientations as assessed by the Survey of Academic Orientations played a role in the attrition of college freshmen. Using logistic regression, the dichotomous variable of reenrolling or not was regressed on 522 students' scores measuring structure dependence, creative expression, reading for pleasure, efficacy, apathy, and mistrust of instructors. Scores on two orientations, efficacy and apathy, significantly predicted the reenrollment decision. The theoretical implications of the results were discussed as well as possible interventions to improve retention.