How We Discovered the Genetics of University Success

October 22, 2018

(The Conversation) – Many people can vividly remember being 18 and tentatively opening that envelope containing crucial information about the future. On the surface, it’s strange to think that genes have anything to do with it – but our new study, published in Scientific Reports, reveals that genetic factors influence both university enrolment and achievement. How can inherited DNA differences influence university success? Decades of research point to genetics as a major systematic force influencing achievement throughout school – including primary school, secondary school and further education. Studies looking at genetic influence on variation in traits, also known as heritability, have found school achievement to be around 50% heritable.