The Predictive Validity of Admission Criteria for College Assignment in Saudi Universities: King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences Experience

Abdulmohsen Alkushi,Abdulaziz Althewini

doi:10.5539/ies.v13n4p141

Abstract

Admission criteria can be used to predict Saudi student performance in college, but significant differences across several studies exists. This study explores the predictive power of admission criteria for college assignment using King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences as a model. Scores from high school and standardized tests were collected for 1,595 students. Data were analyzed with multinomial logistic and multivariate linear regression. A formula was generated to determine student college assignment based on their admission criteria profile. The results showed that all admission criteria were significant predictors of college assignment but accounted for only 21.1% of the variance. Based on the results of this study, admission criteria may not be reliable predictors of college assignment on their own, and additional criteria for measuring student success are needed.

Highlights

Admission criteria and policies at Saudi universities have been significantly modified over the last several years
In 2001, the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and Scholastic Achievement Admission Test (SAAT) were introduced, and student admission to university depended on test performance rather than high school grade (HSG)
Data were analyzed with multinomial logistic regression in SPSS statistical program to determine whether HSG, SAAT, and/or GAT as independent variables could be used to predict student college assignment as a nominal dependent variable at KSAUHS

Summary

Introduction

Admission criteria and policies at Saudi universities have been significantly modified over the last several years. Student admission relied only on high school grade (HSG). In 2001, the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and Scholastic Achievement Admission Test (SAAT) were introduced, and student admission to university depended on test performance rather than HSG. Students must have a HSG, GAT, and SAAT score in order to be admitted to the universities. GAT and SAAT are both standardized tests created by the National Saudi Center of Measurement (QIYAS). GAT measures Arabic language proficiency, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning ability whereas SAAT measures science knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics

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