| The purpose of this study was to find variables which accounted for differences between Mississippi students who selected agriculture majors as compared to students who selected other majors when planning college careers. This information could then be used to identify variables which could target student populations from which colleges of agriculture could recruit. The variables studied came from the spring 1991 ACT Assessment registration folders, interest inventories, and student profile sections of 19,022 Mississippi students.;Students were grouped according to their selection of a college major into agriculture majors and other majors. The groups were then described and compared using high school course information, student profile section information, interest inventory standard scores, and enhanced ACT standard scores. Analysis included stepwise multiple regression which sought to identify variables which explained a statistically significant amount of variance attributable to differences between the two groups. Students who selected agriculture majors were also sub-grouped into six specific agricultural areas and compared.;The results indicated statistically significant differences between agriculture majors and other majors in Mississippi based on high school course grades, size of the students' communities, athletic participation, years studied in English and Spanish, type of high school, financial status, organizational participation, interest in technical activities, interest in art, interest in business, gender, race, and choice of college type. Few significant differences were found between the six agricultural sub-groups. The multiple regression equation identified 10 variables which accounted for 5% of the variation.;Conclusions and recommendations include more active recruitment of females, minorities, students from small and private schools, and junior college transfers. Students planning to be agriculture majors had lower grades in high school courses, thus, more high ability students need to be recruited into agricultural programs.;Mississippi students who selected agriculture majors participated in high school athletics and planned to participate in college athletics more than other majors. Recruiting could involve the use of athletic events and college sports paraphernalia could be sent to the students' homes along with recruitment materials. During recruitment activities, financial aid materials should be distributed. Assistance in finding financial aid sources and employment for the students is needed. |
