A Strategic Approach
Georgia State uses predictive analytics to identify students admitted to the fall freshman class who are academically at risk and require that these students attend a seven-week summer session before fall classes, called Summer Success Academy.
This past year, the university enrolled more than 300 bachelor’s students and another 100 associate students in the academy, with retention rates of 87 percent. That compares to an 83 percent retention rate for the remainder of the freshman class, who were, on paper, better academically prepared for college.
Prior to the launch of the academy, students with similar academic backgrounds were being retained at a 50 percent rate.
How it Works
The Summer Success Academy program started in 2012 as an alternative to deferring less qualified freshman admits to the spring semester. Students enroll in seven credits of college-level (non-remedial) courses and are given the support of the university’s tutoring, advising, financial literacy and academic skills programs. All students are in freshman learning communities.
At-Risk Freshman Retention
Helping At Risk Students Succeed
- 2011
- Today
Participation Rates
Participation Rate More Than Tripled Over 3 Years
- 2012
- 2015