Observed Differences in Graduate Record Examination Scores and Mean Undergraduate Grade Point Averages by Gender and Race among Students Admitted to a Master's Degree Program in College Student Affairs

Abstract

Graduate Record Examination scores and undergraduate grade point averages (GPAs) were examined for 218 students admitted to a master's degree program in college student affairs from August 1985 through May 1995. Analysis of variance yielded no statistically significant differences between men and women on Graduate Record Examination scores, although a significant difference was observed when undergraduate GPAs were examined. There was also a statistically significant difference between African-American and Caucasian students for both Graduate Record Examination scores and undergraduate GPAs. Pearson product-moment correlations between scores on the Graduate Record Examination and undergraduate GPAs were consistently low. These findings support the notion that use of the Graduate Record Examination as an admissions criterion for college student affairs graduate programs warrants further scrutiny.