SEX-DIFFERENCES IN PREDICTIONS OF COLLEGE GRADES FROM SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE-TEST SCORES

In this study we appraised 2 explanations for sex differences in over- and underprediction of college grades by the Scholastic Aptitude Test : sex-related differences in (a) the nature of the grade criterion and (b) the variables associated with academic performance. An entire fre shman class at a large state university was studied. Women's grade poi nt average (GPA) was underpredicted (and men's GPA was overpredicted), but only by a small amount. When we adjusted the GPA for differences in grading standards for individual courses, over- and underprediction were not affected, but when we controlled for sex differences in indi vidual-differences variables concerned with academic preparation, stud iousness, and attitudes about mathematics, over- and underprediction w ere reduced.