Chapter I

Background of the Study

The admission standards of Polytechnic College of La Union (PCLU) are being

reviewed for potential flaws with the examinations. The troubling increases in board

exam passing rates may indicate a need for greater discussion about student

preparedness, perhaps damaging the college's reputation and future job chances. The

success rate of PCLU's criminology graduates serves as an indicator of education and

training. The demanding nature of the board test raises the question of whether

admissions standards are adequate for choosing and preparing students for success.

Admission standards should attract high-achieving candidates with strong

educational backgrounds and a passion for criminology. Admission standards should

include an assessment of candidates' academic performance and physical health, as

this can indicate their potential for success in the area. Early student performance

prediction can help universities to provide timely actions, like planning for appropriate

training to improve students’ success rate (Alyahyan & Düştegör, 2020).

This prompted the implementation of various measures over time, such as

enhanced curricula, review programs, and faculty development programs. Stringent

Admission Criteria in professional programs is emphasized in several studies

conducted in varying fields, especially programs requiring licensure examinations. For

instance, Santiago et al. (2021) found that institutions with selective admission

processes generally produce more board passers due to their ability to screen students

based on academic preparedness and motivation.

improve its criminology program, board exam passing rates remain inconsistent.

Studies have shown that admission standards significantly impact student retention and

academic performance (Garcia & Ramos, 2019). However, limited research has been

conducted to examine the direct correlation between admission criteria and board exam

success in criminology education.

The problem has ramifications for not only individual students, but also the

institution. The overall passing or low passing rates of the board exam adversely affect

the quality of education and reputation of the criminology program and also undermine

the students with low confidence in enrolling especially in PCLU which impacts on the

institutional quality and law enforcers. Furthermore, unsuccessful examinees may

experience financial burdens, decreased job opportunities, and personal

discouragement (Martinez, 2022).

This research aims to fill the gap by providing empirical evidence. Suggests that

admission criteria significantly impact the exam performance of criminology students,

highlighting the need for further research to understand the relationship between

academic preparedness and exam outcomes, ultimately enhancing student success in

the admission process.

Strengthening admission standards is crucial for students' academic journey. By

identifying effective criteria, researchers aim to encourage determination and

preparedness for the academic journey. This research contributes to institutional

improvement and student success in the field of criminology by fostering a culture of

excellence and equipping students with necessary skills.

Foreign Literature

According to (Kasri et al., 2021) it is very important to pay attention to the

evaluation of the quality of higher education information systems because most of

internet users were only accessed from home. Focusing on user satisfaction and design

according to user wishes.

According to (Zwick, 2019), research findings on the predictive validity of

admissions tests—the degree to which the test scores can predict college outcomes.

In a study conducted by Sun, Yan, and Jiang (2020) was found that the passing

rate in the CPA exam was influenced by several factors, including the quality of the

curriculum, students' prior educational background, study habits, and access to review

materials and resources. These findings suggest that similar factors may also play a

role in the passing rate of board exams for criminology students.

A study conducted by Jamieson and Rauch (2019) investigated the factors

associated with passing the licensure exam for nursing [Link] found that factors

such as academic preparedness, including the quality of education and instructional

methods, as well as study habits and strategies, significantly influenced the passing

rate. These findings suggest that similar factors may impact the passing rate of board

exams for criminology students.

A research article by Villena and Quinsaat (2019) investigated the factors

associated with board examination performance among medical graduates. The study

revealed that factors such as academic preparedness, study habits, support systems,

and motivation significantly influenced the passing rate. While the study focused on
medical graduates, these factors may also apply to criminology students preparing for

their board exams.

Local Literature

According to (Albina et al., 2022) the factors influencing success and challenges

faced by Bachelor of Science in Criminology graduates who did not pass the

Criminologist Licensure Examinations (CLE). The research highlights that home and

family support significantly impact CLE success, while student-related factors,

institutional support, review centers, and personal issues also play crucial roles.

According to (Asuncion et al., 2022) This descriptive study examines the extent

of various factors influencing licensure examination performance and the seriousness of

problems encountered by CLE passers and criminology faculty in two higher education

institutions in Antique, Philippines. Findings indicate that student-related factors, home

and family support, school environment, review centers, and personal issues

significantly affect licensure performance.

According to (Alcoran et al., 2024) the effectiveness of the Criminology Review

Program at the University of Baguio in preparing graduates for the Board Licensure

Examination for Criminologists. The research identifies challenges faced by graduates

and proposes plans to address these issues, aiming to enhance board examination

performance.

According to (Esquivel et al., 2021) This quantitative study investigates

performance trends of criminologist licensure examination candidates from December

2021 to July 2024, focusing on both first-time examinees and retakers. The analysis
provides insights into factors influencing passing rates and offers recommendations for

improving licensure examination outcomes.

According to (Esquivel et al., 2020) This study examines the correlation between

the academic performance of criminology graduates and their success in licensure

examinations. The findings suggest that higher academic achievements during

undergraduate studies are associated with better performance in licensure exams,

emphasizing the importance of robust academic preparation.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to improve the rate of board passes by means of an admission

criterion for incoming Criminology Students in Polytechnic College of La Union.

Specifically, the study will seek answer to the following questions:

1. What types of admission criteria (e.g., academic achievements, psychological

evaluations, physical fitness, or other indicators) have been successfully

implemented in other criminology programs to improve licensure exam

performance?

1.1 Academic achievements;

1.2 Physical Fitness

2. How do the current admission standards at PCLU correlate with criminology

students' performance in the Criminology Licensure Examination (CLE)?

3. What are the perceived benefits and challenges of introducing more stringent

admission criteria among stakeholders (faculty, students, and administrators) at

PCLU?
Significance of the Study

The findings of the study are deemed important to the following entities:

Polytechnic College of La Union (PCLU) Administration. This

research will provide insights into the effectiveness of the institution’s current admission

criteria and offer recommendations for improving student selection processes to

enhance board exam success rates.

Incoming Criminology Students. The study aims to guide prospective

criminology students in understanding the significance of academic preparedness and

the impact of admission standards on their future success in the licensure exam.

Faculty and Academic Staff. Educators and faculty members can benefit

from this research by identifying areas where they can improve instructional strategies

and curriculum enhancements to better prepare students for board examinations.

Criminology Graduates and Review Centers. The findings may also

serve as a reference for criminology graduates preparing for board exams and review

centers that aim to develop effective training programs aligned with the competencies

needed for licensure.

Policy Makers in Higher Education. This study contributes to discussions on

higher education policies, particularly in criminology programs, by providing empirical

data that can support the formulation of evidence-based admission policies and

academic reforms.

Future Researchers. The study will serve as a valuable resource for future

research related to criminology education, admission policies, and board exam success,
providing a basis for further exploration of best practices in student selection and

preparation.

Theoretical Framework

This study incorporates theories for its framework. The following theories are

reckoned to be important for the framework of this study.

Tinto’s Student Integration Theory

Tinto (1993) proposed that student success is influenced by both academic and

social integration. The theory suggests that students who experience strong academic

preparation and institutional support are more likely to persist and succeed in their

studies.

Human Capital Theory

Becker (1964) argues that investments in education and training enhance an

individual's productivity and success. This theory supports the idea that rigorous

admission criteria serve as an investment in selecting students who are more likely to

excel academically and professionally.

Independent
Variable (IV)
Senior High School Dependent Moderating
and Junior High
School Academic Variable (DV) Variable (MV)
Performance
Passing Rate Performance
Entrance Exam
Scores Board Exam in Major
Interview/Screening Scores Courses
Results

Conceptual Framework0

The IV-DV-MV conceptual scheme serves as the framework for this study. This

dependent variable (DV) is the admission criteria, which allude to the requirements and

standards established for incoming criminology students. These include senior and

junior high school academic performance, entrance exam scores, and

interview/screening results. The independent variable, Board exam success, refers to

criminology graduates' achievement on the Criminology Licensure Examination (CLE). It

is determined by the passing rate and board exam scores. Academic performance is the

moderating variable that connects admission criteria and board exam results. It

demonstrates how admissions requirements affect exam results. This includes

performance in major courses.