Describes a study that examined the relationship between academic ability or aptitude, as measured by grade point average and American College Test scores, and achievement with and without computer-assisted instruction. (15 references) (CLB)

Although both the University of California and the California State University systems have the option to use plus or minus grades in student evaluations, the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges (CCC) does not allow the use of such a grading system. Since 1985, the CCC's Academic Senate has lobbied the Board to allow local…

The traditional system of letter grades discourages college-bound students from taking difficult courses. Many colleges look closely at an applicant's grade point average (GPA). When a student's GPA is computed, a grade from an easy course carries as much weight as a grade from a difficult course. Since a student can achieve a higher grade with…

The sample for this 2-year study of student absenteeism consisted of 6 comprehensive high schools, 3 from each of 2 urban school districts with 1,000 to 1,600 students and 60 to 70 full-time teachers. Highlights of the first-year findings summarized in this journal are based on the responses of nearly 8,000 students and 350 teachers. Attendance…

A statistical model is presented for processing quantitative admission data that weights equally two or more quantitative elements to ensure that the N most consistently high scorers qualify for the N available positions. The quantitative elements considered are overall grade point average (GPA), GPA in selected courses, and standardized test…

To answer students' questions about predicting grade averages or projecting grades needed to attain specific grade goals, academic advisors can use computerized grade calculations. Spreadsheet and HyperCard versions of grade calculation software are discussed and illustrated, and suggestions are offered for using them in specific advising…

A study of over 8,000 admissions of Cornell University (New York) graduates to 19 highly selective medical schools, 1982-89, found that grade point average (GPA) was extremely influential especially at 9 schools. It was concluded that applicants often receive encouragement to continue the application process despite little chance of acceptance.…

An empirical test of Munson and Rubenstein's (1992) assertion that 'school is work' compared a sample of students in a high school with a sample of workers in a manufacturing plant in the same metropolitan area. Data from both samples included scores on six personality traits--Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Openness, Emotional Stability,…

The criterion most frequently used in studies designed to assess the predictive validity of measures used in college admission has been the freshman-year grade point average (GPA). It is not self-evident that the first-year GPA provides either a sufficient or a representative sample of a student's academic performance. Questions have been raised…

Explores the effects of accounting internships upon subsequent academic achievement. Reports that grade point averages and degree examination results of 10 Chinese University of Hong Kong students who had been interns were compared to scores of 236 accounting majors who had not. Concludes that internships increased student knowledge and…

Following a 1988-89 legislative mandate that required public four-year colleges and universities in Virginia to report the academic progress of community college transfer students, seven senior institutions submitted data to Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) on the progress of PVCC transfer students. The data provided, however, were…

This report presents data on a study of the Promoting Achievement in School through Sport (PASS) program as implemented over three years in eight different schools. The study used grade point average (GPA) as the evaluation element. PASS is a daily, year-long high school course using positive aspects of sports culture to enhance academic…

Grade inflation is defined and the interplay between grading and evaluation are discussed. A solution to the problem of grade inflation is proposed: persuade the faculty members at a number of leading institutions to regard C+/B- as the appropriate median grade. (MLW)

A survey of 162 students in several sections of a master of social work basic research methodology and statistics course, taught by different teachers, found that student performance did not differ across instructors, undergraduate grade point average was positively correlated with performance, and an undergraduate social service major was…

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the undergraduate students' performance in the Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya and the factors influencing the performance of the undergraduate students. Design/methodology/approach: The performance of the undergraduate students in this study is measured by their…