Magnet High Schools and Academic Performance in China: A Regression Discontinuity Design

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of high school quality on students’ educational attainment using a regression discontinuity research design based on entrance examination score thresholds that strictly determine admission to the best high schools. Using data from rural counties in Western China, we find that attending a magnet school significantly increases students’ college entrance examination scores and the probability of being admitted to college.

Keywords: magnet high school, regression discontinuity design, academic performance

JEL Classification: I21, I28, O53