Scholarly Article Summary

In the scholarly article, "Non-Cognitive Predictors Of Student Success In College" the main topic discussed is the success rate of college students. Every one in two students will receive a bachelor degree within six years of enrollment in a university. Many researchers believed that the precursor to success in college as well as life was a students’ high school GPA and an ACT or SAT score. However, in the study done by Larry Sparkman proves differently. Many studies done throughout the years has also semi disproved this theory. Tinito (1993) believed one must be integrated in the university both academically and socially, and must achieve a level of commitment to their career, academic goal, and the institution in order to be successful in college as well as life. The success rate of college students can be defined as a students’ retention and their academic performance. Many studies done in the past show that life success is contributed more to emotional intelligence rather than cognitive abilities (IQ). The emotional intelligence of an individual increases with age and education attainment. The IQ of an individual is not a strong predictor of performance at work nor life. In Sparkman’s study the emotional intelligence of an individual was based on these fifteen things: self regard, emotional self awareness, assertiveness, independence, self actualization, empathy, social responsibility, interpersonal relationship, reality testing, flexibility, problem solving, stress tolerance, impulse control, optimism, and happiness. The finding in the study suggests that students that attain these qualities are more likely to graduate within six years of enrollment at an institution. He also found in his study that white females who are not dating who live on campus their first semester and one or both parents have a four-year degree are the most likely to succeed. Sparkman’s study is viable proof that regardless how intelligent one is, if they cannot put their emotions and dedication into going to school and getting a degree they are more likely to drop out or graduate later than the traditional student.