University of Central Florida--Curricula

Valencia Community College (VCC) transfer and University of Central Florida (UCF) native students majoring in biological or physical science from 1976-1980 were compared. Comparisons included upper division GPA and course hours completed for BS Degreed students, lower and upper division GPA for all students, dropout data, and retaking of core curriculum courses. Means, standard deviations, and t tests were utilized. Equated via standardized tests, VCC and UCF student transcripts produced raw data for each comparison. Of twenty analyses, only three proved significant: (1) lower division GPA for Category 2 (below population mean) biology majors; (2) upper division hours completed for Category 1 (above population mean) physical science majors; (3) hours completed at dropout for Category 2 biology majors. In the 17 other areas of analysis there was no significant difference between transfer and native students. Transfer shock is a reality for VCC students majoring in natural sciences. Strong counseling efforts at VCC should be directed at potential biology majors who score below the population mean on standardized tests. Warnings and/or recommendations concerning the rigors of science majors would benefit these students educationally and financially.