Premedical school achievement data were used to determine whether nonscience preparation in undergraduate study was a handicap in medical school. Nonscience students performed as well as or better than science majors on almost all performance measures. Implications for medical school admissions are examined. (MSE)

Emphasizes that college admissions criteria based on test scores that tend to be correlated with socioeconomic status are biased against racial/ethnic minorities. Suggests that alternative criteria might consider students' personality traits. (Author/MJL)

Based on the assumption that dental schools need to consider applicants with diverse backgrounds, a study was undertaken of the relationship between undergraduate majors and performance in dental school. Liberal arts majors performed as well in dental school and as well or better on licensing examinations as science majors. (Author/MSE)

The view of higher education as a privilege, rather than a right, did not die with open admissions in the City University system. Rather, under pressures of the fiscal crisis of the 1970s, this view has regained its ascendancy as socially advantaged groups struggle to maintain their position. (Author/GC)

Investigated whether the emphasis on ACT scores for admission to engineering school is justified. Using stepwise regression procedures, multiple regression equations were derived using data from 328 students. Results indicated that ACT scores plus college transfer credits and advanced placement credits do aid in predicting academic performance.…

The reliability and difficulty level of faculty interviewing of applicants to the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine are assessed. An index is proposed for classifying interviewers, along with a point system for assuring fairness in assigning interviewers. Tabular data are included. (MSE)

The extent to which the Pharmacy College Admissions Test and other admissions criteria predict (1) academic performance during later years at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, and (2) scores on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Licensing Examination (NABPLEX), and a board of pharmacy law examination are assessed.…

A South African study explored predictors of success among 18 educationally disadvantaged and 8 advantaged students in a University of Witwatersrand developmental studies program. Results showed academic success was considerably less predictable among disadvantaged students. Universally-used admission criteria were not predictive for either group;…

The development of a multiple regression equation for predicting an optometry grade point average and a discriminative function designed to distinguish between students likely and unlikely to have academic difficulty is described. Variables used include grades, test scores, undergraduate college competitiveness, and a measure of academic…

Analysis of the records of all University of Missouri (St. Louis) optometry students entering 1980-88 found that, overall, undergraduate grades and the personal interview, were the most significant components of a student's entering profile in predicting performance in the first professional year, first and second professional year, four-year…

College entrance examination scores, sophomore grade point average (GPA), and GPA for prerequisite courses were compared for 483 accounting, management, and economics students. All correlated with academic success, but test scores were less significant than GPAs. Only GPAs demonstrated significant results in predicting academic difficulty. (SK)

Critically analyzes the University of West Indies' admissions policy of increasing the share of undergraduate part-time students. Data on student grades in first-year social-science courses shows that part-time students are significantly more likely to fail these courses, due to lower motivation and greater time constraints. (10 references) (MLH)

Companies specializing in college recruitment are building databases to predict the persistence and success rates of college applicants and to help design recruiting and admission strategies. The field began two decades ago, when admissions deans with good reputations began consulting. Many of these companies provide other services, such as…

Two studies investigated the impact of moving on gifted children. While academic performance was not hindered by moving, parents and students reported varying criteria for admittance to gifted programs were frustrating. Frequent relocations had little impact on long-term development, but did cause some social difficulties in the short-term. (CR)

Study analyzed longitudinal data from village children (N=66) to identify accurate and early predictors of passing the Common Entrance Examination for secondary school admission. Determined that children's achievement, academic and behavior problems, and cognitive abilities as early as age 8 can predict later examination success or failure.…