2002 CIRP Survey of New Students

Local Results




The following tables are based on responses of incoming students on the 2002 CIRP Survey.  The survey was completed by 286 incoming students.  The data was analyzed  locally which will differ slightly from the analysis from the Higher Education Research Institute.

Although this information is valuable and provides a glimpse into some characteristics of the incoming class, please keep in mind that not all students completed the survey.  These data, therefore, are not intended to represent or profile the entire incoming class. 

Links to tables
Gender Parents' Highest Education Level
Ethnicity Student Estimate of Parents' Income
English as Native Language Financial Worry
High School Graduation Year Students' Probable Major Field of Study
"Did your high school require community service for graduation?" Highest Degree Planned to Obtain
Number of Miles from Home Self Rating of Traits
Political Views Activities Engaged in by Student in Past Year
Average Grade in High School Hours Spent in Certain Activities in Past Year
SAT/ACT Scores "In deciding to go to college, how important to you was each of the following reasons."
Earlham as first choice? Reasons Influencing Students' Decision to attend Earlham
Applied at how many other colleges? Ratings of Likelihood of Certain Events in College

Housing Plans for Fall Semester

Ratings of Importance of life Objectives
Student and Parent Religious Affiliation Views on Social Issues
Parent Status  

 

Gender
 

Gender
%
Male
45
Female
53
   

 

Race/Ethnicity
 

Ethnicity
%
White/Caucasian
79
African American/Black
7
American Indian
0
Asian American/Asian
6
Mexican American/Chicano
1
Puerto Rican
0
Other Latino
1
Other
5

 

English as Native Language
 

Response
%
Yes
91
No
9

 

High School Graduation
 

Date
%
2000
80
Before 2000
19
Other
2

 

"Did your high school require community service for graduation?"
 

Response
%
Yes
37
No
61

   
 
 

Number of Miles from Home


Miles
%
5 or less
3 
6 to 10
1 
11 to 50
3  
51 to 100
8  
101 to 500
37
More than 500
46 

 

Political Views
 

Political Views
%
Far left
17
Liberal
56
Middle of the road
18
Conservative
5
Far right
1

   

Average Grade in High School
 

Grade
%
‘A’ Average
36
‘B’ Average
54
‘C’ Average
5

 

SAT/ACT Scores (rounded)
 

Test
Average Score
SAT Verbal
635
SAT Math
595
ACT
26

 

"Is this college your…?"
 

Choice
%
First choice
77
Second choice
15
Third choice
4
Less than third choice
2

    The percentage of Earlham College freshmen who consider their present school as their top pick (77%) is more than last year (67%).

"To how many colleges other than this one did you apply for admission this year?"

 

Number
%
None
26
1-3 
31
4-6 
26
7 or more 
14

   

Housing Plans for Fall Semester
 

Living Situation
%
With Parents or Relatives
1
Other private home, apartment or room
1
College Dormitory
97
Fraternity or sorority house
0
Other campus student housing
1
Other
1

 

Student Religious Affiliation
 

Religion
Student (%)
Baptist
2
Buddhist
2
Episcopal
3
Islamic
1
Jewish
4
Lutheran
1
Methodist
2
Presbyterian
1
Quaker
18
Roman Catholic
8
Seventh Day Adventist
0
United Church of Christ
2
Other Christian
5
Other Religion
14
Mormon
1
Eastern Orthodox
1
None
35

 
 
 

Parent Status
 

Status
%
Both alive and living with each other
67
Both alive, divorced or living apart
29
One or both deceased
4

 

Parents’ Highest Education Level
 

Education
Father (%)
Mother (%)
Grammar school or less
1
1
Some high school
1
0
High school graduate
13
9
Post-Secondary School 

other than college

1
4
Some college
8
11
College degree
26
27
Some graduate school
3
7
Graduate degree
46
40

   

Student Estimate of Parents’ Income
 

Income
%
Less than $10,000
2
$10,000 to $14,999
2
$15,000 to $19,999
4
$20,000 to $24,999
4
$25,000 to $29,999
3
$30,000 to $39,999
8
$40,000 to $49,999
7
$50,000 to $59,999
11
$60,000 to $74,999
9
$75,000 to $99,999
12
$100,000 to $149,999
14
$150,000 to $199,999
6
$200,000 to $249,999
2
$250,000 or more
5

   

Financial Worry
 

Level of Concern
%
None (confident will have sufficient funds)
32
Some (will probably have enough)
55
Major (not sure will have enough to complete)
12

   

Students’ Probable Major Field of Study
 

Probable Major
%
English
7
Fine Arts
5
Language/Literature
7
Philosophy
2
Theology or Religion
1
Biology
3
Engineering
1
Health Professions
2
Math or Computer Science
2
Physical Science
1
Anthropology and Sociology
3
Business Administration
1
Economics
0
Education
3
History
3
Political Science
6
Psychology
6
Other Social Sciences
3.3
Other Fields
1
Undecided
14

   

Highest Degree Planned to Obtain (Overall)
 

Degree
(%)
No Response
20
None
2
Vocational Certificate
0
Associate’s (A.A. or Equivalent)
0
Bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S., etc.)
9
Master’s degree (M.A., M.S., etc.)
32
Ph.D. or Ed.D.
25
M.D., D.O., D.D.S., or D.V.M.
5
LL.B. or J.D. (Law)
5
B.D. or M.DIV. (Divinity)
1
Other
1

 

"Rate yourself on each of the following traits as

compared with the average person your age."
 
 
 
Area
Highest 10%
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Lowest 10%
Mean*
Academic ability
20
53
25
1
0
2.07
Artistic ability
7
36
34
19
5
2.8
Cooperativeness
18
53
25
4
0
2.14
Creativity
20
52
24
4
0
2.12
Drive to achieve
18
41
35
6
0
2.31
Emotional health
16
30
41
12
2
2.55
Leadership ability
17
32
35
13
3
2.52
Mathematical ability
7
23
39
25
7
3.02
Physical health
12
40
39
8
1
2.46
Popularity
5
25
56
14
1
2.82
Public speaking ability
9
34
30
22
5
2.79
Self-confidence (intellectual)
20
41
32
5
2
2.27
Self-confidence (social)
11
32
37
16
5
2.72
Self-understanding
23
42
32
2
1
2.16
Spirituality
17
31
32
13
7
2.61
Understanding of others
22
48
26
3
0
2.12
Writing ability
16
39
37
8
0
2.39
Computer Skills
5
23
51
19
2
2.9
Persistance
15
42
36
6
1
2.36
Religiousness
6
17
29
27
21
3.41
Risk taking
9
33
42
12
3
2.63

*Lower means indicate a higher rating in comparison to peers.

   

Activities Engaged in by Students in the Past Year
 
Activity
Frequently (%)
Occasionally (%)
Not at All (%)
Mean*
Attended religious service
27
43
30
2.03
Was bored in class
33
56
11
1.79
Participated in demonstrations
5
39
56
2.51
Tutored another student
10
36
55
2.45
Studied with other students
26
57
17
1.9
Was a guest in a teacher’s home
6
33
61
2.55
Smoked cigarettes
9
16
75
2.66
Drank beer
12
46
42
2.37
Drank wine or liquor
12
46
42
2.31
Felt overwhelmed
30
60
10
1.8
Felt depressed
11
60
29
2.18
Performed volunteer work
30
54
16
1.93
Played a musical instrument
29
28
43
2.13
Asked a teacher for advice
30
56
14
1.84
Overslept
5
36
60
2.55
Discussed Politics
42
47
12
1.7
Voted in a student election
18
45
38
2.2
Socialized with different ethnic groups
72
25
4
1.32
Came late to class
12
52
36
2.23
Attended a public concert
25
61
14
1.89
Visited an art gallery/museum
18
66
16
1.99
Discussed religion
39
52
9
1.7
Communicated via e-mail
73
24
3
1.3
Used the internet for research
70
27
3
1.32
Participated in internet chat rooms
12
25
62
2.5
Other internet use
58
36
5
1.47
Performed community service for class
14
35
51
2.37
Used a personal computer
78
19
3
1.25

* Lower means indicate a higher frequency of participation in given activity.
 
 

Hours Spent in Certain Activities in the Past Year
 
Activity
Percentage of Students Reporting Each Range of Hours
None
<1 hr
1-2
3-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
>20
Mean
Studying/Homework
3
6
14
22
25
16
8
5
4.6
Socializing with friends
0
0
5
21
28
20
12
13
5.44
Talking with teachers outside of class
6
28
41
17
5
1
0
0
2.87
Exercising/sports
8
7
19
20
19
13
4
7
4.26
Partying
28
18
17
18
9
5
1
2
2.86
Working (for pay)
45
5
4
10
10
10
9
7
3.3
Volunteer work
25
26
23
14
6
4
1
0
2.64
Student clubs
26
16
24
20
8
2
1
1
2.78
Watching TV
14
17
23
24
12
4
2
2
3.27
Child care/ household duties
28
21
28
16
4
1
0
0
2.51
Reading
12
15
25
27
11
6
1
2
3.36
Video games
47
21
13
10
4
2
1
0
2.1
Prayer/meditation
42
29
16
6
4
0
0
0
1.98

 

"In deciding to go to college, how important to you

was each of the following reasons?"
 
 
 
Reason
Very Important (%)
Somewhat Important (%)
Not Important (%)
Mean*
My parents wanted me to go
22
47
32
2.1
I could not find a job
3
5
93
2.9
Wanted to get away from home
22
44
34
2.12
To be able to get a better job
47
37
17
1.7
To gain a general education and appreciation of ideas
81
15
4
1.22
To improve my reading and study skills
47
39
14
1.67
There was nothing better to do
5
16
78
2.73
To make me a more cultured person
56
34
10
1.54
To be able to make more money
33
39
28
1.95
To learn more about things that interest me
85
13
2
1.17
To prepare myself for graduate or professional school
42
37
21
1.78
A mentor/role model encouraged me to go
10
41
49
2.4
To get training for a specific career
30
36
35
2.05

*Lower means indicate greater importance.

   
 

Reasons influencing students’ decision to attend Earlham College
 
        Reason
Very Important (%)
Somewhat Important (%)
Not Important (%)
    Mean*
My relatives wanted me to come here
6
29
64
2.58
My teacher advised me
6
29
64
2.59
This college has a good academic reputation
51
44
6
1.55
This college has a good reputation for social activities
24
51
25
2.01
I was offered financial assistance
39
35
26
1.87
This college offers special education programs
33.6
40.6
25.8
1.92
This college has low tuition
3
20
78
2.75
High school counselor advised me
4
25
71
2.67
Private college counselor advised me
3
12
85
2.82
I wanted to live near home
5
17
78
2.73
Not offered aid by first choice
2
13
85
2.83
I was attracted by the religious affiliation/orientation of the college
16
35
50
2.34
Wanted to go to a school about this size
56
30
14
1.58
Rankings in national magazines
6
33
61
2.55
I was admitted through an Early Action or Early Decision program
15
15
70
2.55
Information from a website
11
41
48
2.37
Athletic Schlorships
10
14
76
2.66
Reputation for safety
5
35
60
2.55

*Lower means indicate greater importance.

   

Ratings of Likelihood of Certain Events in College
 
Activity
Very Good Chance (%)
Some Chance (%)
Very Little Chance (%)
No Chance (%)
Mean*
Change major field
22
47
23
6
2.11
Change career choice
28
44
22
4
2.0
Participate in student clubs
49
37
10
2
1.63
Be elected to a student office
5
24
49
20
2.78
Get a job to help pay for college expenses
43
31
18
6
1.87
Work full time while attending college
2
13
40
43
3.2
Join a social fraternity, sorority or club
0
4
12
83
3.74
Play varsity/intercollegiate athletics
26
15
26
32
2.6
Make at least a "B" average
57
36
5
0
1.46
Develop close friendships
77
19
2
1
1.26
Get a bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S., etc.)
75
16
3
3
1.29
Participate in protests or demonstrations
27
36
25
10
2.15
Communicate with professors
60
36
1
0
1.39
Socialize with other racial groups
83
13
2
1
1.19
Transfer to another college before graduating
4
20
47
28
2.94
Be satisfied with your college
60
35
2
1
1.38
Participate in volunteer or community service work
40
40
15
4
1.8
Seek personal counseling
14
35
41
9
2.42
Strengthen religious beliefs
27
35
21
15
2.2
Study Abroad
60
24
12
2
1.55
Drop out
2
5
26
66
3.52

*Lower means indicate increased chance that event will occur.

   
 

Ratings of Importance of Life Objectives
 
Objective
Essential (%)
Very Important (%)
Somewhat Important (%)
Not Important (%)
Mean*
Becoming accomplished in performing arts
8
12
36
44
3.16
Becoming an authority in my field
14
27
47
12
2.43
Obtaining recognition for contributions to my special field
8
24
47
20
2.8
Influencing the political structure
10
21
38
31
2.89
Influencing social values
13
39
36
12
2.47
Raising a family
21
33
31
15
2.41
Having administrative responsibility for the work of others
5
12
31
52
3.3
Being very well off financially
15
22
38
24
2.72
Helping others who are in difficulty
24
41
30
5
2.15
Theoretically contributing to science
4
12
26
58
3.39
Writing original works 
17
17
31
35
2.84
Creating artistic work
12
16
30
42
3.01
Becoming successful in own business 
8
12
30
50
3.23
Becoming involved in environmental clean-up programs
12
27
42
19
2.68
Developing a meaningful life philosophy
31
32
24
12
2.18
Participating in a community action program
9
26
45
20
2.76
Helping to promote racial understanding
17
34
38
11
2.42
Keeping up to date with political affairs
16
31
40
13
2.49
Becoming a community leader
9
22
45
25
2.85
Integrating spirituality into my life
22
25
35
18
2.48
Improving my understanding of other cultures and countries
39
37
21
2
1.86

*Lower means indicate greater importance.

   

Views on Social Issues
 
Issue
Agree Strongly (%)
Agree Somewhat (%)
Disagree Somewhat (%)
Disagree Strongly (%)
Mean*
Too much concern for the rights of criminals
6
26
41
27
2.88
Abortion should be legal
50
30
11
6
1.72
The death penalty should be abolished
48
25
18
9
1.87
People should not obey laws that are against their beliefs
13
40
36
10
2.4
Marijuana should be legalized
27
38
21
15
2.24
Laws should prohibit homosexual relationships
5
5
12
76
3.62
Military spending should be increased
3
11
33
52
3.31
Government should do more to control handguns
53
38
5
4
1.6
Racial discrimination is no longer a problem in US
1
10
37
52
3.38
An individual can do little to create changes in society
4
19
37
40
3.12
Wealthy people should pay more taxes
30
45
18
7
2.01
Colleges should prohibit racist/sexist speech on campus
23
34
28
15
2.34
Same sex couples should have the right to legal marital status
68
20
5
8
1.53
Affirmative action in college admissions should be abolished
7
30
49
14
2.7
Married women should stay at home 2 8 14 77 3.66
Federal government should do more to discourage energy consumption 52 34 8 4 3.66

*Lower means indicate stronger agreement.

 

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This report was prepared by Gretchen Lamendola and Mary Ann Weaver - Fall, 2002

weavema@earlham.edu