Freshman Survey - Fall 1997
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Entering Freshman Research Questionnaire, Fall 1997
(n=1,478)
1. When did you first become interested in UNCC?
1. Prior to junior year in high school 226 15.3
2. Fall of junior year 177 12.0
3. Spring of junior year 126 8.5
4. Summer between junior and senior year 288 19.5
5. Fall of senior year 445 30.1
6. Spring of senior year 165 11.2
7. After high school 40 2.7
No Answer 11 0.7
2. How did you first learn about UNCC?
1. Parent 223 15.1
2. Guidance counselor 143 9.7
3. High school teacher 31 2.1
4. UNCC admissions counselor 17 1.2
5. College Day Program 150 10.2
6. College Board Student Search 48 3.3
7. UNCC student 272 18.4
8. UNCC alumni 76 5.1
9. Friends 373 25.2
10. Visiting the campus for an activity 118 8.0
No Answer 27 1.8
3. Was UNCC your first choice?
1. Yes 859 58.1
2. No 589 39.9
No Answer 30 2.0
4. How many colleges did you apply to this year, counting UNC-Charlotte?
1. One 380 25.7
2. Two 370 25.0
3. Three 346 23.4
4. Four 212 14.3
5. Five or more 158 10.7
No Answer 12 0.8
5. At how many colleges were you accepted this year, including UNC-Charlotte?
1. One 476 32.2
2. Two 436 29.5
3. Three 306 20.7
4. Four 148 10.0
5. Five or more 93 6.3
No Answer 19 1.3
6. Did you apply to a North Carolina community college or technical
institute?
1. Yes 70 4.7
2. No 1389 94.0
No Answer 19 1.3
7. Did you apply to a North Carolina private college?
1. Yes 202 13.7
2. No 1239 83.8
No Answer 37 2.5
8. Did you apply to an out-of-state college?
1. Yes 352 23.8
2. No 1103 74.6
No Answer 23 1.6
9. Are you receiving any type of financial aid (including work study,
grants, loans and scholarships)?
1. Yes 845 57.2
2. No 600 40.6
No Answer 33 2.2
IF YOU ANSWERED "YES" IN QUESTION # 9:
10. Is the aid that you are receiving awarded on the basis of: Academic
Merit?
1. Yes 306 36.2
2. No 533 63.1
No Answer 6 0.7
11. Is the aid that you are receiving awarded on the basis of: Financial
Need?
1. Yes 631 74.7
2. No 208 24.6
No Answer 6 0.7
12. Is the aid that you are receiving awarded on the basis of: Athletics?
1. Yes 43 5.1
2. No 792 93.7
No Answer 10 1.2
13. Is the aid that you are receiving awarded on the basis of: Other
Talent(e.g. music, art, etc.)?
1. Yes 50 5.9
2. No 786 93.0
No Answer 9 1.1
14. Is the aid that you are receiving awarded on the basis of: Other Criteria?
1. Yes 223 26.4
2. No 615 72.8
No Answer 7 0.8
15. To what extent was the availability of financial aid a factor in
your decision to attend UNCC?
1. Not a factor 682 46.1
2. Minor consideration 487 33.0
3. Major factor 263 17.8
No Answer 46 3.1
16. Did you apply for campus housing?
1. Yes 1033 69.9
2. No 425 28.8
No Answer 20 1.4
17. Did the availability of housing on campus affect your decision to
attend UNCC?
1. Yes 306 20.7
2. No 1140 77.1
No Answer 32 2.2
18. Which one of the people listed below most strongly influenced your
decision about going to college?
1. Mother 589 39.9
2. Father 309 20.9
3. Brother/Sister 106 7.2
4. Husband/Wife 5 0.3
5. Other relative 69 4.7
6. High school guidance counselor 62 4.2
7. High school teacher 45 3.0
8. High school friends 173 11.7
9. College admissions counselor 19 1.3
10. Business associate 15 1.0
No Answer 86 5.8
19. Which one of the people listed below most strongly influenced your
decision on a major?
1. Mother 315 21.3
2. Father 247 16.7
3. Brother/Sister 77 5.2
4. Husband/Wife 13 0.9
5. Other relative 130 8.8
6. High school guidance counselor 89 6.0
7. High school teacher 321 21.7
8. High school friends 82 5.6
9. College admissions counselor 19 1.3
10. Business associate 62 4.2
No Answer 123 8.3
Please indicate the effect each source of information had on your decision
to attend UNCC.
20. Parents
1 - Very Negative Effect 26 1.8
2 - Some Negative Effect 39 2.6
3 - No Effect 1 77 12.0
4 - Some Positive Effect 398 26.9
5 - Very Positive Effect 812 54.9
No Answer 26 1.8
21. Other relatives
1 - Very Negative Effect 21 1.4
2 - Some Negative Effect 34 2.3
3 - No Effect 612 41.4
4 - Some Positive Effect 433 29.3
5 - Very Positive Effect 365 24.7
No Answer 13 0.9
22. High school friends
1 - Very Negative Effect 23 1.6
2 - Some Negative Effect 62 4.2
3 - No Effect 516 34.9
4 - Some Positive Effect 560 37.9
5 - Very Positive Effect 291 19.7
No Answer 26 1.8
23. High school guidance counselor
1 - Very Negative Effect 27 1.8
2 - Some Negative Effect 27 1.8
3 - No Effect 682 46.1
4 - Some Positive Effect 420 28.4
5 - Very Positive Effect 299 20.2
No Answer 23 1.6
24. High school teachers
1 - Very Negative Effect 22 1.5
2 - Some Negative Effect 22 1.5
3 - No Effect 712 48.2
4 - Some Positive Effect 417 28.2
5 - Very Positive Effect 282 19.1
No Answer 23 1.6
25. College Board Student Search
1 - Very Negative Effect 29 2.0
2 - Some Negative Effect 12 0.8
3 - No Effect 1176 79.6
4 - Some Positive Effect 141 9.5
5 - Very Positive Effect 83 5.6
No Answer 37 2.5
26. Visit by UNCC admissions counselor to high school
1 - Very Negative Effect 29 2.0
2 - Some Negative Effect 17 1.2
3 - No Effect 1039 70.3
4 - Some Positive Effect 235 15.9
5 - Very Positive Effect 125 8.5
No Answer 33 2.2
27. Visit to UNCC campus
1 - Very Negative Effect 20 1.4
2 - Some Negative Effect 32 2.2
3 - No Effect 428 29.0
4 - Some Positive Effect 504 34.1
5 - Very Positive Effect 457 30.9
No Answer 37 2.5
28. UNCC student
1 - Very Negative Effect 21 1.4
2 - Some Negative Effect 20 1.4
3 - No Effect 630 42.6
4 - Some Positive Effect 411 27.8
5 - Very Positive Effect 358 24.2
No Answer 38 2.6
29. UNCC alumni
1 - Very Negative Effect 25 1.7
2 - Some Negative Effect 19 1.3
3 - No Effect 993 67.2
4 - Some Positive Effect 206 13.9
5 - Very Positive Effect 184 12.5
No Answer 51 3.5
30. UNCC faculty
1 - Very Negative Effect 23 1.6
2 - Some Negative Effect 16 1.1
3 - No Effect 1023 69.2
4 - Some Positive Effect 221 15.0
5 - Very Positive Effect 150 10.2
No Answer 45 3.0
31. UNCC catalog
1 - Very Negative Effect 26 1.8
2 - Some Negative Effect 14 1.0
3 - No Effect 810 54.8
4 - Some Positive Effect 443 30.0
5 - Very Positive Effect 160 10.8
No Answer 25 1.7
32. UNCC freshman brochure
1 - Very Negative Effect 23 1.6
2 - Some Negative Effect 14 1.0
3 - No Effect 816 55.2
4 - Some Positive Effect 441 29.8
5 - Very Positive Effect 151 10.2
No Answer 33 2.2
33. General college guides and handbooks
1 - Very Negative Effect 23 1.6
2 - Some Negative Effect 14 1.0
3 - No Effect 799 54.1
4 - Some Positive Effect 465 31.5
5 - Very Positive Effect 141 9.5
No Answer 36 2.4
34. "Explore UNC Charlotte" (Saturday campus open house)
1 - Very Negative Effect 27 1.8
2 - Some Negative Effect 16 1.1
3 - No Effect 791 53.5
4 - Some Positive Effect 304 20.6
5 - Very Positive Effect 287 19.4
No Answer 53 3.6
35. Which of the following is the most important reason you chose to
attend UNCC?
1. I wanted to be close to home. 449 30.4
2. I liked the geographic area. 183 12.4
3. The costs were low. 118 8.0
4. I was offered the best financial aid
package here. 45 3.0
5. I had friends planning to attend here. 42 2.8
6. The size of the college was ideal. 79 5.4
7. I felt UNCC students were friendly and
I would make friends here. 63 4.3
8. My major program was stronger here 291 19.7
9. I had relatives who attended here. 41 2.7
10. The school has an excellent academic
reputation 129 8.7
No Answer 38 2.6
In your opinion, how well did your high school prepare you for college in
each area listed below?
36. English
1 - Very Well Prepared 419 28.4
2 - Well Prepared 547 37.0
3 - Somewhat Prepared 375 25.4
4 - Not At All Prepared 41 2.8
5 - Don't Know 61 4.1
No Answer 35 2.4
37. Mathematics
1 - Very Well Prepared 326 22.1
2 - Well Prepared 508 34.4
3 - Somewhat Prepared 441 29.8
4 - Not At All Prepared 136 9.2
5 - Don't Know 48 3.3
No Answer 19 1.3
38. Foreign Languages
1 - Very Well Prepared 169 11.4
2 - Well Prepared 269 18.2
3 - Somewhat Prepared 518 35.1
4 - Not At All Prepared 402 27.2
5 - Don't Know 76 5.1
No Answer 44 3.0
39. Physical Sciences
1 - Very Well Prepared 186 12.6
2 - Well Prepared 409 27.7
3 - Somewhat Prepared 561 38.0
4 - Not At All Prepared 110 7.4
5 - Don't Know 156 10.6
No Answer 56 3.8
40. Biological Sciences
1 - Very Well Prepared 204 13.8
2 - Well Prepared 408 27.6
3 - Somewhat Prepared 543 36.7
4 - Not At All Prepared 117 7.9
5 - Don't Know 153 10.4
No Answer 53 3.6
41. Social Sciences
1 - Very Well Prepared 177 12.0
2 - Well Prepared 417 28.2
3 - Somewhat Prepared 507 34.2
4 - Not At All Prepared 117 7.9
5 - Don't Know 229 15.5
No Answer 31 2.1
42. Fine Arts
1 - Very Well Prepared 187 12.7
2 - Well Prepared 272 18.4
3 - Somewhat Prepared 388 26.3
4 - Not At All Prepared 257 17.4
5 - Don't Know 331 22.4
No Answer 43 2.9
43. World Affairs
1 - Very Well Prepared 139 9.4
2 - Well Prepared 280 18.9
3 - Somewhat Prepared 524 35.5
4 - Not At All Prepared 204 13.8
5 - Don't Know 293 19.8
No Answer 38 2.6
44. Understanding individual and social values
1 - Very Well Prepared 228 15.4
2 - Well Prepared 387 26.2
3 - Somewhat Prepared 467 31.6
4 - Not At All Prepared 138 9.3
5 - Don't Know 215 14.6
No Answer 43 2.9
45. Understanding and appreciating people of different cultures
1 - Very Well Prepared 310 21.0
2 - Well Prepared 380 25.7
3 - Somewhat Prepared 441 29.8
4 - Not At All Prepared 156 10.6
5 - Don't Know 161 10.9
No Answer 30 2.0
46. Reading text materials
1 - Very Well Prepared 254 17.2
2 - Well Prepared 430 29.1
3 - Somewhat Prepared 536 36.3
4 - Not At All Prepared 97 6.6
5 - Don't Know 103 7.0
No Answer 58 3.9
47. Writing papers
1 - Very Well Prepared 315 21.3
2 - Well Prepared 454 30.7
3 - Somewhat Prepared 492 33.3
4 - Not At All Prepared 113 7.7
5 - Don't Know 73 4.9
No Answer 31 2.1
48. Verbal expression of ideas
1 - Very Well Prepared 270 18.3
2 - Well Prepared 397 26.9
3 - Somewhat Prepared 512 34.6
4 - Not At All Prepared 126 8.5
5 - Don't Know 99 6.7
No Answer 74 5.0
49. Study habits
1 - Very Well Prepared 164 11.1
2 - Well Prepared 324 21.9
3 - Somewhat Prepared 570 38.6
4 - Not At All Prepared 258 17.5
5 - Don't Know 87 5.9
No Answer 75 5.1
50. Being an independent person
1 - Very Well Prepared 417 28.2
2 - Well Prepared 428 29.0
3 - Somewhat Prepared 373 25.2
4 - Not At All Prepared 114 7.7
5 - Don't Know 93 6.3
No Answer 53 3.6
51. Leadership skills
1 - Very Well Prepared 370 25.0
2 - Well Prepared 435 29.4
3 - Somewhat Prepared 438 29.6
4 - Not At All Prepared 92 6.2
5 - Don't Know 104 7.0
No Answer 39 2.6
52. Confidence to succeed academically
1 - Very Well Prepared 411 27.8
2 - Well Prepared 493 33.4
3 - Somewhat Prepared 375 25.4
4 - Not At All Prepared 72 4.9
5 - Don't Know 84 5.7
No Answer 43 2.9
53. Indicate the highest level of education you would
1. Graduate from a technical or business school 23 1.6
2. Graduate from a community college 10 0.7
3. Complete 2-3 years but not graduate from a
university. 13 0.9
4. Complete a Bachelor's degree at a university 455 30.8
5. Complete postgraduate training (e.g. Nursing,
Architecture) 75 5.1
6. Complete a Law or Medical degree (e.g. JD, MD) 134 9.1
7. Complete a Master's degree 517 35.0
8. Complete a Doctoral degree 210 14.2
9. Don't care, doesn't matter 16 1.1
No Answer 25 1.7
54. Indicate the highest level of education you feel you will
1. Graduate from a technical or business school 25 1.7
2. Graduate from a community college 13 0.9
3. Complete 2-3 years but not graduate from a
university 13 0.9
4. Complete a Bachelor's degree at a university 630 42.6
5. Complete postgraduate training (e.g. Nursing,
Architecture) 84 5.7
6. Complete a Law or Medical degree (e.g. JD, MD) 113 7.7
7. Complete a Master's degree 447 30.2
8. Complete a Doctoral degree 117 7.9
9. Don't care, doesn't matter 10 0.7
No Answer 26 1.8
In the following section we would like to know your feelings and attitudes
toward college, a career and life in general. For each of the questions
below, rank order the responses in terms of their relative importance to you.
How important are each of the following in selecting your job and career?
55. Opportunities to be original and creative
1 - Most important to me 312 21.1
2 - Second most important to me 261 17.7
3 - Third most important to me 296 20.0
4 - Fourth most important to me 314 21.2
5 - Least important to me 270 18.3
No Answer 25 1.7
56. Opportunities to make a lot of money in a high status job
1 - Most important to me 388 26.3
2 - Second most important to me 383 25.9
3 - Third most important to me 302 20.4
4 - Fourth most important to me 213 14.4
5 - Least important to me 154 10.4
No Answer 38 2.6
57. Opportunities to be helpful to others, to be useful to society
1 - Most important to me 446 30.2
2 - Second most important to me 323 21.9
3 - Third most important to me 312 21.1
4 - Fourth most important to me 262 17.7
5 - Least important to me 118 8.0
No Answer 17 1.2
58. Opportunities to be my own boss
1 - Most important to me 166 11.2
2 - Second most important to me 169 11.4
3 - Third most important to me 215 14.6
4 - Fourth most important to me 325 22.0
5 - Least important to me 561 38.0
No Answer 42 2.8
59. Opportunities for a secure, steady job
1 - Most important to me 652 44.1
2 - Second most important to me 348 23.6
3 - Third most important to me 225 15.2
4 - Fourth most important to me 112 7.6
5 - Least important to me 96 6.5
No Answer 45 3.0
While in college, how important are the following goals?
60. Learning more about myself, developing self-confidence
1 - Most important to me 441 29.8
2 - Second most important to me 361 24.4
3 - Third most important to me 350 23.7
4 - Fourth most important to me 221 15.0
5 - Least important to me 67 4.5
No Answer 38 2.6
61. Attaining a high level of achievement (e.g., make the Chancellor's
List)
1 - Most important to me 458 31.0
2 - Second most important to me 416 28.2
3 - Third most important to me 276 18.7
4 - Fourth most important to me 217 14.7
5 - Least important to me 87 5.9
No Answer 24 1.6
62. Getting the training for a secure job after school
1 - Most important to me 652 44.1
2 - Second most important to me 335 22.7
3 - Third most important to me 286 19.4
4 - Fourth most important to me 137 9.3
5 - Least important to me 41 2.8
No Answer 27 1.8
63. Finding a mate
1 - Most important to me 121 8.2
2 - Second most important to me 112 7.6
3 - Third most important to me 182 12.3
4 - Fourth most important to me 207 14.0
5 - Least important to me 825 55.8
No Answer 31 2.1
64. Preparing myself to be able to help others
1 - Most important to me 262 17.7
2 - Second most important to me 225 15.2
3 - Third most important to me 275 18.6
4 - Fourth most important to me 450 30.5
5 - Least important to me 225 15.2
No Answer 41 2.8
In your life, which of the following are the most important to you?
65. Being successful in my line of work
1 - Most important to me 758 51.3
2 - Second most important to me 309 20.9
3 - Third most important to me 225 15.2
4 - Fourth most important to me 138 9.3
5 - Least important to me 24 1.6
No Answer 24 1.6
66. Finding the right person to marry and having a happy family life
1 - Most important to me 339 22.9
2 - Second most important to me 326 22.1
3 - Third most important to me 228 15.4
4 - Fourth most important to me 251 17.0
5 - Least important to me 300 20.3
No Answer 34 2.3
67. Having a lot of money and prestige in the community
1 - Most important to me 200 13.5
2 - Second most important to me 201 13.6
3 - Third most important to me 275 18.6
4 - Fourth most important to me 284 19.2
5 - Least important to me 481 32.5
No Answer 37 2.5
68. Being able to do what you think is right
1 - Most important to me 451 30.5
2 - Second most important to me 332 22.5
3 - Third most important to me 298 20.2
4 - Fourth most important to me 269 18.2
5 - Least important to me 95 6.4
No Answer 33 2.2
69. Helping those that are less fortunate than myself
1 - Most important to me 243 16.4
2 - Second most important to me 256 17.3
3 - Third most important to me 302 20.4
4 - Fourth most important to me 311 21.0
5 - Least important to me 341 23.1
No Answer 25 1.7
70. What is the highest level of formal education obtained by your
mother or female guardian?
1. Eighth grade or less 59 4.0
2. High school graduate 400 27.1
3. Some college/No degree 267 18.1
4. 2-Year associate degree 235 15.9
5. 4-Year baccalaureate degree 327 22.1
6. Some graduate school - but no degree 21 1.4
7. Master's degree 139 9.4
8. Doctorate or 1st prof. Degree
(e.g. med, law) 15 1.0
No Answer 15 1.0
71. What is the highest level of form of education obtained by your
father or male guardian?
1. Eighth grade or less 73 4.9
2. High school graduate 350 23.7
3. Some college/No degree 226 15.3
4. 2-Year associate degree 190 12.9
5. 4-Year baccalaureate degree 344 23.3
6. Some graduate school - but no degree 39 2.6
7. Master's degree 164 11.1
8. Doctorate or 1st prof. degree
(e.g. med, law) 53 3.6
No Answer 39 2.6
72. Indicate your marital status.
1. Single 1416 95.8
2. Married 23 1.6
No Answer 39 2.6
For the previous year, what was the amount of your parents' or guardians'
combined pre-tax income? Please try to answer even if you are financially
independent.
73. 1. $ 10,000 or less 44 3.0
2. $ 10,001 - $ 15,000 48 3.2
3. $ 15,001 - $ 20,000 56 3.8
4. $ 20,001 - $ 25,000 57 3.9
5. $ 25,001 - $ 30,000 89 6.0
6. $ 30,001 - $ 35,000 94 6.4
7. $ 35,001 - $ 40,000 103 7.0
8. $ 40,001 - $ 50,000 176 11.9
9. $ 50,001 - $ 60,000 177 12.0
10. $ 60,001 - $ 75,000 169 11.4
74. Continuation of question #73.
1. $ 75,001 - $100,000 175 11.8
2. $100,001 - $150,000 105 7.1
3. $150,001 - $200,000 43 2.9
4. $200,001 or more 57 3.9
No Answer 85 5.8
75. How many people do your parents or guardians currently support in
their household? Include yourself and parents or guardians if
applicable.
1. One 113 7.7
2. Two 210 14.2
3. Three 349 23.6
4. Four 477 32.3
5. Five or more 285 19.3
No Answer 44 3.0
How many of your parents' or guardians' dependents are currently enrolled
in college?
1. Only myself 1046 70.8
2. Two dependents 328 22.2
3. Three or more 54 3.7
No Answer 50 3.4
Please indicate the primary method of payment for your college education.
1. Parental Support 825 55.8
2. Spouse 17 1.2
3. Other family support 32 2.2
4. Work study 15 1.0
5. Grant 92 6.2
6. Loan 270 18.3
7. Scholarship 110 7.4
8. Off-campus work 33 2.2
9. Other 38 2.6
No Answer 46 3.1
78. Which best describes the area in which you lived during high school?
1. Rural area 214 14.5
2. Small town (20,000 or less) 473 32.0
3. Moderate size city (20,001- 60,000) 368 24.9
4. Large city (60,001-100,000) 173 11.7
5. Urban area (more than 100,000) 201 13.6
No Answer 49 3.3
79. Do your plans include employment during your first semester?
1. I plan to work 40 hrs or more each week 34 2.3
2. I plan to work 30 - 39 hours each week 55 3.7
3. I plan to work 20 - 29 hours each week 200 13.5
4. I plan to work 10 - 19 hours each week 374 25.3
5. I plan to work less than 10 hrs ea. week 175 11.8
6. I do not plan to work 599 40.5
No Answer 41 2.8
80. After graduation, where do you plan to seek employment?
1. In North Carolina 746 50.5
2. Outside N.C. but in the USA 216 14.6
3. Outside the USA 23 1.6
4. Anywhere, the location is not an
important factor in my job search 433 29.3
5. I will not be seeking employment after
graduation 10 0.7
No Answer 50 3.4
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