Just like dating, predictive modeling is an iterative process. We sometimes have to go back and revise some of the steps that we took, or wipe the slate clean and start over. In order to prevent some of the common mistakes that come with predictive modeling, there are a couple of questions that we should ask our future x-variables before we decide to use them in our analysis.

I was recently working with a customer, Robin DePolo, of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. We were working on preparing some data for a predictive model, but the conversation shifted to all of the other (countless) things that she needs to get done before she can kick back and enjoy the holiday season. Sadly, Robin didn’t mean that she had lots of decorating, or shopping to do either- she meant required reporting.

Working for Rapid Insight, I have had the pleasure to talk with many of our higher education customers about their experiences with the recruiting, admissions and student success initiatives at their institutions. It always inspires me to hear the genuine care they have for the students. In the last year, this whole process became personal to me as my son went through the whole high school to college journey.