A technique is described for private liberal arts colleges to assess the probable matriculation behavior of admitted applicants. By performing a multiple discriminate analysis of data obtained from applicants admitted during a previous admissions season, and applying the information to a decision-making strategy used in political elections the…

This article describes a qualitative research approach (in-depth phenomenological interviewing) and illustrates, through the example of an actual study, its potential for helping institutions of higher education understand their students. It argues that progress in understanding college student outcomes, such as persistence, has been retarded by…