Selectivity and the college experience: How undermatching shapes the college experience among high-achieving students

Abstract

This study examined how undermatching impacts the college experiences of high achieving first-year students. Using propensity score modeling, it found that undermatching was associated with less academic challenge, but higher levels of student-faculty interaction and active and collaborative learning. The results also indicate that undermatches report fewer gains in their learning and development and less satisfaction with their institution. The implications of undermatching and how to reduce its prevalence are discussed.