The Predictive Ability of High School General Point Average, Standardized Test for English Proficiency, and Type of High School to Foresee the Academic Success of Saudi EFL Freshmen

Abstract

Although many studies have examined the ability of admission tests and High School General Point Averages to predict academic performance, they are not in agreement whether or not, these two measures are an entirely sufficient criterion to foretell college learning success. In addition, there seems to be a gap in the literature concerning using the type of high school (private or public) a student attends as a supportive measure to the two criteria mentioned above. This study tried to answer the research question, which is: to what extent can student’s high school point average, admission test, and the type of school he attended predict his academic performance? The research carries a considerable significance as it cast light on some factors that may foretell the academic success of a college student. The study investigated the predictive capability of students’ high school general averages, admission test, which is Standardized Test for English Proficiency, and student’s type of high school to predict freshmen’s academic success as defined by their college General Point Averages at the end of their first year. The present study utilized regression analysis to analyze the data of 100 students who finished their first year at the college of languages and translation, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia. The study findings indicated that the admission test was the best predictor for students’ performance. In contrast, surprisingly, students’ HSGPAs and the type of school they attended had little significance in determining the attainment of college students. Thus, it is suggested that the entry test be considered an essential measure for admission to the Saudi college.