Determinantes del acceso y permanencia en la educación superior: un estudio aplicado a la Universidad de Cuenca

Abstract

This study analyzes the determinants of the academic performance of applicants to the University of Cuenca, measured through the application grade. Using a multilevel model, individual, socioeconomic and institutional factors that significantly affect performance were identified. The results reveal that students from private schools, those who do not belong to the poorest quintile, and those who show better study habits, such as dedicating time to reading and study hours, obtain higher performance. In addition, motivation in areas such as mathematics and science have a positive effect, as it is associated with the development of key cognitive skills. On the other hand, parental education, especially maternal education, also stands out as a determinant of academic performance. This work provides relevant evidence on educational inequalities and the factors that influence the grades of applicants, offering useful information for the design of policies that promote greater equity in access to higher education.