Abstract:
The academic performance of university students is affected by multiple factors; including prior
academic achievement, family background, and psychological factors, and so on. So the main
aim of this study was to examine the contribution of prior academic achievement (university
entrance exam (UEE), preparatory average mark (PAM), and scholastic aptitude test (SAT));
family background (family education, family income, number of siblings and residence area),
and peer support to first-year academic performance at Salale University. The study employed a
cross-sectional and correlation study design. A total of 320 students were selected using
stratified and systematic sampling techniques from a population of 1600 regular freshman
students who enrolled into Salale University in the 2012 E.C academic year. The study used both
primary and secondary data that were analyzed by using linear regression analysis. The result
revealed that among prior academic achievement variables included in the study PAM
contributed 26.70% and SAT contributed 23.80% to the UGPA. Moreover, among family
background variables parent education level has 12.0% contribution; family income has
accounting 1.60%, and number of siblings contributed 8.90% to UGPA. And also the result
showed that peer support was 7.60% accounted for predictor variable. Among the variables
incorporated in the study, PAM has the highest contribution to first-year first semester UGPA.
Finally, it is recommended that the ministry of science and higher education, and other
admission personnel should give more emphasis to PAM and review the appropriateness of other
factors that improve university GPA.
