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This article explores some of the issues surrounding student retention at two contrasting universities in Scotland. It is based on a relatively small-scale quantitative survey of students who withdrew or continued, in order that direct comparisons may be made between the two groups. This comparison allows analysis of the constraints and opportunities that face all young people during their time in higher education, and the circumstances under which students decide to withdraw. This shows widespread and similar financial difficulties amongst students who continue and those who withdraw, suggesting that it is more useful to look at the points at which similar pressures seem bearable for one student but not for another. The research indicates that important factors in the decision to withdraw include: poor choice of course; limited social support networks; and lack of 'fit' between student and institution. While there is macro-level evidence of a class gradient in withdrawal rates, the evidence unpacks more fully the reasons why students from a range of socio-economic backgrounds decide to leave university early.

The career paths of 544 UK medical school graduates were followed for 10 years. Although general practice was not attractive to graduates initially, it became popular in subsequent years, mainly because it was seen as offering a superior quality of life. Once in general practice both men and women chose to work reduced hours and/or in non-principal posts. The findings suggest the need to look more closely at the nature of these trends and the implications for patient care and service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]