The relationship between performance on a core exam and various academic and background indicators among Georgia State University Master of Science in Urban Life graduate students was studied. Performance on the core examination was studied during 1971-79 to determine: (1) the relationship between core exam performance and core course graduates; (2) whether core exam scores can indicate scholastic potential; (3) differences by race and sex on core exam scores; and (4) whether core exam outcomes can be accurately predicted and used to advise prospective examinees. The statistics core exam section was found to be the section with the highest failure rate and was also the best indicator of final score outcomes. The history core exam was the second best predictor of performance. Graduate Record Examination scores were generally the best predictor of core exam section scores, followed by grades in core courses. There was trend indicating that the longer one was in the program before taking the core exam, the lower the section and final scores. Over time, the section failure rates have been both widely divergent, and also convergent. It is concluded that the core exam reasonably reflects the scholastic abilities of the Master of Science in Urban Life graduate students. References are included, as are graphical representations of the findings. (SW)