The academic performance consequences of relying solely on non-cognitive factors for selecting applicants above a GPA and MCAT threshold have not been fully considered in the literature. This commentary considers the impact of using a "threshold approach" on academic performance as assessed with the USMLE Step 1.

Critiques University of California admissions policies. Presents a proposal for student selection which includes a formula for readjusting GPA giving bonus points for "solid" classes and advanced placement on honors classes. A score based on students' personal composite would also be included and a bonus for disadvantaged students. (RC)

Ten specific recommendations regarding the admissions policies and practices of medical schools are presented. Recommendations involve: an applicant's undergraduate major and other courses (the premed major should be abolished), the Medical College Admission Test, the B.A. degree, grades, early admissions, and admissions committees membership.…

College students aiming for medical school often fall victim to 'pre-med syndrome'; they become narrow, grade-conscious overachievers, who are less sociable and more interested in money and prestige than are most other students. Suggestions for alleviating the severity of the problem are provided. (MLW)

Examines the value of various types of college admission criteria and states that the most accurate predictors of future academic performance used to interpret grades earned at other institutions are the grade point average in previous courses and entrance achievement tests. Interviews and recommendation letters are of little value. (MF)

A response is given to the recommendation of the Georgia Governor's Education Review Commission that the grade point average (GPA) requirements for admission to undergraduate teacher education programs in Georgia be raised from the present 2.5 to 2.7. Brief summaries are presented of five studies dealing with the relationship of GPA for admission…

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recently promulgated rules that make athletes' initial eligibility conditional upon the achievement of certain scores on college entrance examinations and completion of a specified high school curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. The changes were instituted to…

There are both strengths and weaknesses of using standardized test scores as a criterion for admission to institutions of higher education. The relative importance of scores is dependent on the institution's degree of selectivity. In general, decision processes and admissions criteria are not well defined. Advantages of test scores include: use of…

The controversy surrounding college admission criteria is examined. It is noted that racial classifications and preference of ethnic and racial minorities, as part of a university's admissions policy have been seen to constitute reverse discrimination. Proponents of a racially neutral admissions policy argue for a strengthening of standardized…