Aptitude Tests and Successful College Students: The Predictive Validity of the General Aptitude Test (GAT) in Saudi Arabia

Ghaleb Hamad Alnahdi

doi:10.5539/ies.v8n4p1

Abstract

Aptitude tests should predict student success at the university level. This study examined the predictive validity of the General Aptitude Test (GAT) in Saudi Arabia. Data for 27420 students enrolled at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University were analyzed. Of these students, 17565 were male students, and 9855 were female students. Multiple regression, logistic regression, and correlation analyses were conducted. The results show that the best predictor of student success at the university was the combination of high school GPA (HSGPA) and the National Achievement Test (NAT), as measured by cumulative GPA or by new students’ GPA. However, the GAT was the best predictor of graduation as a criterion of success. Conclusions and recommendations for future studies are provided.

Highlights

Worldwide, millions of students apply for university admission every year
This study examined the predictive validity of the General Aptitude Test (GAT) in Saudi Arabia
The results show that the best predictor of student success at the university was the combination of high school GPA (HSGPA) and the National Achievement Test (NAT), as measured by cumulative GPA or by new students’ GPA

Summary

Introduction

Millions of students apply for university admission every year. Universities make critical decisions by admitting some students and rejecting others. Admission decisions that rely on one variable or criterion, such as high school grade point average (HSGPA) alone are unfair. Standardized tests have become major factors in admission decisions at universities in many countries. Two types of tests are often used for this purpose, aptitude and achievement tests. Aptitude tests are “focused on measuring verbal and mathematical abilities not directly tied to the curriculum” (Koljatic et al, 2012), whereas achievement tests measure accomplishment. Achievement tests are helpful for improving performance and are based on clear curricular guidelines and important concepts for students to learn (Atkinson, 2001)

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