Assessing High School Preparedness for University Engineering Programs: A Study of First-Year Students at the University of Saskatchewan

The transition from high school to engineering school is notably challenging, exacerbated by the COVID-19 disruptions. The College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan introduced Summer Top Up (STU) quizzes to enhance incoming students' readiness, covering essential subjects like Math, Physics, Chemistry, Reading and Writing, Indigenous Culture, and Computer Programming. The perceived usefulness of these quizzes is analyzed using survey results from first-year engineering cohorts (2021-2022 and 2022-2023). The survey also examined students' self-confidence and self-perceived preparedness from high school upon entering first-year engineering, considering demographic factors. Findings revealed no gender disparities but noted differences in preparedness levels based on age, regional background, and community background. The STU quizzes were generally well-received, though their effectiveness varied across subjects. The study recommends targeted support for older, rural, and international students and emphasizes the importance of refining preparatory programs to align with students' needs.