RELATIONSHIPS AMONG GENDER DIFFERENCES IN FRESHMAN COURSE-GRADES AND COURSE CHARACTERISTICS

This article examines relationships among gender differences in freshm an college course grades and characteristics of the courses, Gender di fferences in course grades are not adequately explained by gender diff erences in previous scholastic achievement. In addition, courses in wh ich gender differences favor women tend to be those in which high scho ol grades and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores are less important for earning higher course grades. These courses also award higher-tha n-average grades to freshmen with average high school grades and SAT s cores and enroll a higher percentage of female freshmen.