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)

Almost all applicants who have been admitted to medical school have obtained the M.D. degree. Given this success rate, an accepted applicant's economic security is guaranteed. Schools pay lip-service to the importance of students' character, motivation, etc., and continue to select students with high grades and MCAT scores. (Author/MLW)

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…

Students who accept the goal of becoming physicians early in life because of external pressures appear to have lower academic achievement than students who develop their professional identity because of personal abilities or interests. Data are from students (N=1156) attending the University of Michigan medical school between 1976-81. (MLW)

A study developed and evaluated five class ranking models for graduating medical students (n=1,283) in which performance data from both basic and clinical sciences could be used to study the models' predictive validity. Two models yielded higher validity; one is recommended for balance of clinical and basic science measures. (MSE)

Medical school admission interview ratings for four entering classes (n=356 students) were compared with preadmission academic variables (admission test scores, undergraduate grades), student characteristics (age, gender, residence), and interviewer characteristics (gender, professional background, admission committee membership). Recommendations…

Students with higher achievement scores and high school grade point averages are more likely to succeed in college as measured by their retention and graduation rates. Furthermore, an institution's ability to attract better prepared students results in a better academic reputation of the institution. The fact that better prepared students are…

The Freshman Index, a combination of SAT score and high school grade point average, is the primary mechanism facilitating admissions decisions at Georgia State University. This article examines the relationships between these three admissions criteria and the graduating grade point averages of Asian, Black, and White six-year graduates.…

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) regularly evaluates the experience of international students in Canada through a benchmarking survey. Canada First 2009 represents the fourth time CBIE has conducted this research. Previous editions appeared in 1988, 1999 and 2004. This year's survey used a revised questionnaire similar to…

This study was designed to examine the attitudes of teachers and students in Swedish upper secondary schools in regard to the use of higher education scholastic aptitude test (SAT) scores in lieu of secondary school grades to gain entrance into higher education programs. Since 1991 applicants to higher education have been allowed to take the…

A study of 401 Chicago State University (Illinois) undergraduate students in elementary Spanish courses investigated the relationship between students' completion of homework assignments, both brief and lengthy, and student achievement on five to six teacher-developed exams administered during the semester. The study spanned six semesters. Results…

A 2-year study examined the use of the General Educational Development (GED) credential and its use in Wisconsin. Reading scores were located for GED holders applying to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and for persons on general assistance (welfare) in Milwaukee County. In all cases, there were…

This research study explores the concurrent and predictive validity of the English language proficiency screening test used by the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and the relationship of this measure to academic performance. It is concluded that (1) evidence of the predictive validity of the test supports its use for efficiently…

The study addressed the effect of admission criteria used by the School of Nursing at Florida International University and how they related to student success in completing the nursing program, passing the state licensure examination, and becoming registered nurses (RN). Attention was focused on the use of the state-instituted College Level…

The papers presented at this conference review current research on effective educational practices for low-achieving students and identify those that might be applied to programs funded under Chapter 1 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. A function assumed by several conference participants was to act as reactor to papers…