Studying during senior year of high school is on the rise, with 39.5 of survey respondents saying they did so for more than six hours a week, up from 34.7 percent in 2009. The percentage taking notes frequently during class in their senior year also rose, from 66.5 percent to 69.2 percent. About 1 of 5 (21.7 percent) took five or more college-level AP courses during their high school years, up from 18.7 percent.
鈥淭hese academic behaviors in high school do make a difference in terms of first-year retention [of college students] and [their] degree completion,鈥� says Linda DeAngelo, a co-author of the report and HERI鈥檚 assistant director for research.
Nearly half of college freshmen (48.8 percent) expect there鈥檚 a very good chance they鈥檒l discuss course content with fellow students outside of class, up from 46.5 percent in 2009. That鈥檚 an indicator of active rather than passive learning, Ms. DeAngelo says, and it means students are not only more likely to finish college, but also to develop 鈥渢he skills needed for lifelong learning.鈥�
