Scobie, Nora Allen 1967-, "The second year itch: an examination of pre-entry factors that contribute to second-year college persistence." (2010). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1287. The persistence of second-year college students is gaining attention nationally. Vast resources have been dedicated to the retention of first-year students only to lose them at some point during the second year. Much of the research about the second-year experience is qualitative and focused on

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... onal inputs. This study examined preentry variables that predict second year attrition. The pre-matriculation factors and background characteristics as outlined by Tinto (1993) served as the focus ofthis study. The participants ofthis study were first-time, full-time freshmen that attended the University of Louisville 2004 summer orientation, participated in the College Student Inventory Form-B survey, enrolled, and matriculated to the 2004 fall semester at the University of Louisville. The College Student Inventory Form-B data was used to analyze pre-entry levels of motivation, commitment, and selected background variables. A logistic regression model was used to predict the student outcomes of persistence and non-persistence for enrollment in the fourth and fifth semesters, which constituted the second year for traditional, first-time, full-time freshmen. Findings from this study suggest that second-year students have experiences and needs distinct from those of firstyear students.