The determinants of the academic outcome: an Bayesian approach using a sample of economics students from the University of Brasilia, Brazil

Using a survey conduct with 240 Economics students of the University of Brasília in August, 2011, this paper explores the determinants of the academic outcome, measured as the Gross Point Average of the University. The econometric method used to estimate is Ordinary Least Squares with Bayesian Inference. The explanatory variables include the habits of the students, such as study, frequency to classes and frequency to parties (the last one is a new approach in Brazil). Also, dummies of gender, work, type of high school and quota student were added. Study and frequency to classes turned out to be the most important determinants. The frequency to parties have not affected the Gross Point Average. The dummies had different results according to the group. There were no divergence with the major prior beliefs, with just one small exception.