Exploring Grit as a Prime Success Factor in First - Year Engineering Education at Egyptian Higher Education Institutions

This study explores the influence of grit-defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals-on the academic success and retention of first-year engineering students in Egypt. Approximately 300 students from various universities will be randomly selected to ensure a diverse demographic sample. At the start of the academic year, participants will be evaluated using a modified version of Angela Duckworth's 12-item Grit Scale, and their academic performance and retention will be monitored throughout the year. The study will utilize statistical methods such as correlation and regression analyses to investigate the link between grit and academic success, including GPA and course completion rates. Additionally, qualitative data from follow-up interviews will provide insights into students' experiences and factors influencing their decisions to continue or leave their studies. The expected outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of grit levels among students, its predictive power for academic success and retention, and recommendations for interventions to cultivate grit. The findings aim to inform educational practices and policy, enhance student support services, and potentially reduce dropout rates. This research could serve as a foundational study for future longitudinal investigations of the long-term effects of grit on educational and career achievements.