Predictive validity of preadmissions measures may be understated because of correctable defects in freshman year and cumulative high school grade point averages (GPAs). A study used item response theory (IRT) to develop a more reliable measure of performance and test it using Stanford University data. Results showed increased predictability.…

The development of a valid measure of academic performance through the application of existing statistical methodology in a new manner was studied. Focus was on analyzing the predictive validity of traditional pre-admissions measures in determining overall academic performance in college. This new criterion, termed a Universal Scale for Grades, is…

A new measure of academic performance was developed through a new application of item response theory (IRT). This new criterion, an IRT-based grade point average (GPA), was used to determine the predictive validity of certain preadmissions measures for 1,564 students admitted to Stanford University in 1982. (SLD)

Computed measure of average academic rigor of student's high school program from high school transcripts and used measure as supplemental predictor to Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores and high school rank in class. Data from two cohorts of college graduates revealed new measure was superior to SAT scores and rank in class in predicting…

A general linear model (GLM), using least-squares techniques, was used to develop a criterion measure to replace freshman year grade point average (GPA) in college admission predictive validity studies. Problems with the use of GPA include those associated with the combination of grades from different courses and disciplines into a single measure,…

Research in the area of grade adjustment methods from the last 27 years is reviewed in the context of admissions selection and of prediction of student performance in college. Contemporary grade adjustment methods can often produce indexes of academic performance with greater reliability than that found with grade point average. (SLD)