– If female high school seniors had the same orientation toward and preparation for S/E fields as their male peers, the gender gap in S/E degrees would be closed by as much as 82 percent.
– The results indicate that pre-high school gender differences play an important role and account for about one-third of the gender gap in S/E bachelor’s degree attainment.
– The results show that concrete study plans as of 12th grade account for a substantial proportion
of the gender gap.
– The gender gap would be reduced by as much as 72.5 percent for physical science and engineering- the fields with the largest gender gaps- if women had the same orientation and preparation for these fields as men at the end of high school.
– Boys and girls with an orientation toward science related careers in eighth grade are far more likely to pursue and obtain a S/E bachelor’s degree. Overall, the gender gap would be reduced by as much as 36 percent if women had the same eighth grade characteristics as men.
– Overall, these findings reaffirm previous research that highlights the importance of early encouragement but also point to the high school years as the decisive period for the gender gap. At the same time, the results downplay the role of post-high school transitions and choices both outside and inside of college, which challenges the focus on college in much research and policy.