An Analysis of the Effect of ASVAB Waivers on A-School Academic Attrition

The purpose of this thesis was to analyze the effect of ASVAB waivers on A-School academic attrition. This was accomplished by developing a Statistical Analysis System (SAS) computer program, using extracts of the Enlisted Training Tracking File (TRAINTRACK) and the Navy Enlisted Classification Tracking File (NECTRACK). A review of literature was also undertaken to provide a summary of available information on factors that influence attrition, aptitude testing and ASVAB validity, trends in academic attrition, and criteria for the selection of waived students to attend Navy A- School. The data base was explored by conducting an analysis of those individuals who did not have the prerequisite ASVAB score, and then comparing their A-School academic performance with those who had attained the prerequisite score. Several recommendations are offered concerning the policy of allowing ASVAB waivered individuals to attend specific high attrition A-School pipelines. In addition, further study is recommended, using the programs developed for this analysis, to analyze the A-School academic performance of ASVAB qualified and waivered students.