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Older Students and the SAT SAT

Author(s):
Casserly, Patricia Lund
Publication Year:
1982
Report Number:
RR-82-49
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
10
Subject/Key Words:
College Board, Adult Students, Age Differences, College Students, Grade Prediction, Performance Factors, Predictive Validity, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Student Attitudes

Abstract

This report studied the predictive validity of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for older students (early twenties to late fifties) at three universities and students' reactions to the admissions process. Analysis supports the use of SATs with local prediction equations. Interviews with older students suggest that their range of circumstances requires a sensitive use of any such instrument and effective counseling. Recommendations to the College Board include: the regular retention of SAT candiates' ages at Educational Testing Service to facilitate future research in this area; information and leadership on adult admissions provided by the College Board, both to institutions and to candidates; and further research on the assessment of adults' pre-admission experiences. Older female students were found to obtain higher grades than those predicted from test scores and high school grades. The author concludes that using both test scores and high school grades will improve the grade prediction significantly over either predictor used alone. (Author/PN). (10pp.)

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