The available objective evidence suggests that the accuracy of predicting which students will succeed in a particular graduate school is often no better than modest, especially if such predictions are based only upon a test or a grade record. Taken together these two types of predictors do a reasonably good job, considering the restricted range of…

The effectiveness and equity of applying uniform selection standards to both black and white Air Force enlistees was investigated by regression analyses. For both racial groups, the relationship between the Air Force selection test (Airman Qualifying Examination) as the predictor and a measure of job knowledge (Specialty Knowledge Test as the…

A study of the predictive validity of selected admissions variables used by the University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Medical College Admissions Test subscores, undergraduate science grade point average (USGA), age, and Otis Test of Mental Ability) revealed the predictive validity of USGA and the MCAT quantitative subscore. (JT)

Two admissions models are developed to predict future academic performance of graduate management students. The corrected model, using data obtained from the entire applicant group instead of just those admitted, demonstrated higher predictive ability. (Author/KM)

The purposes of this study were (a) to analyze the significant variables influencing committee decisions to readmit flunked-out students and, (b) to compare these with variables predicting grade point average after readmission. (Author/AG)

College freshmen (n=326) who preferred field-independent and field-neutral learning styles had higher grade point averages. High school grade point average and ACT scores were the best predictors of freshman academic performance. Learning style and ACT scores best predicted student retention. (SK)

A study of two classes of agriculture freshmen (1997: n=245, 1998: 195) showed that the best predictor of performance for the 1997 cohort was high school grade point average (GPA) and ACT score; for the 1998 cohort, GPA alone. High school GPA was the only successful predictor of freshman GPA. Traditional admission criteria had limited predictive…

Based on the argument that traditional college admissions standards comprise elements that are invalid predictors of significant contributions to society, the author discusses selected results of a study which measured college apllicants' non-academic activities and productive thinking capacity as possible predictors of success in college.…

Three principal uses of composite variables in the Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (TIERS) are examined in light of four basic methodological issues: (1) the criterion used in constructing the composite; (2) the likely reliability of both component and criterion variables; (3) the form of the relationship between components and criterion;…

Project GO (Generating Opportunities) established at Colorado State University in 1968, attempts to meet the academic and financial needs of financially disadvantaged students. This study was designed to produce comparative descriptive data on Project GO and regularly admitted CSU freshmen samples and to evaluate the efficiency of traditional…

Describes a study of computer science majors conducted at Purdue University to determine what factors predict academic success or lack of it. Results show that strength in mathematical and verbal skills is necessary for success as indicated by SAT scores, minimum number of high school mathematics credits, and class standing. (MBR)

Recent research concerning prediction of academic performance of Chinese students at the English-language, Western-oriented University of Hong Kong is reviewed, and five-year longitudinal data are discussed. It is concluded that English language and mathematics ability are good predictors, and cultural background should be considered in…

In this study, models were constructed for eight academic areas, including applied sciences, communication sciences, education, physical sciences, life sciences, humanities and arts, psychology, and social sciences, to predict whether or not an at-risk graduate student would be successful in obtaining a master's degree. Records were available for…

Surveyed college admissions offices (N=236) to determine the current status and perceived usefulness of letters of recommendation. Results show 87% of respondents required or considered letters of recommendation. They were considered useful in revealing personal qualities, particularly of handicapped and minority applicants, which could offset…

It is more satisfactory to use a mechanically produced prediction of candidates' student teaching grades (based on multiple selection criteria) for selection of candidates for teacher education programs than to use any other single criterion. Greater specificity of variables leads to more accurate prediction of student teaching performance. (SB)