The Importance of Preparation Classes for Taking the University Entrance Examination in Mathematics

Abstract

In this paper we analyze a mathematics test taken by undergraduate candidates during the
university entrance examinations for enrolment to the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Banja Luka
University, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the academic year 2015/2016. We also analyze the importance of
preparation classes for taking the university entrance examination, as well as the candidates’ achievement
on the entrance examination relative to the secondary school attended and secondary school average score
in mathematics. The results of the analysis are presented using descriptive statistics and relevant tests of
the SPSS statistical analysis software package. A strong statistically significant difference, in terms of the
number of points between the candidates who have attended preparatory classes and those who did not
has been revealed.