Using SAT scores as predictors for future academic success

Abstract

In the past decade, there has been a lot of scrutiny placed on the value of SAT scores. Various collegiate institutions, such as the entire California State school system have dropped the requirement for students to submit SAT scores to the admissions board for entry. Reasons for this vary from institution to institution and range from the selfish to the altruistic. On one side of the spectrum, the thought is that by making the SAT scores optional, average SAT scores at the institution rise, as the applicants well self select who submits scores. On the other end of the spectrum, some institutions believe that the SAT test is unfair, as certain socioeconomic groups tend to fair better on the test than others. Regardless of the reason, institutions are throwing away a piece of data that could possibly give some insight into an applicant's likelihood of success. This paper looks at the question of whether or not SAT scores are a reasonably good of indicator of future collegiate academic success. This theory was tested through the use of a logical rule set created using genetic algorithms. Results seem to indicate that SAT scores are in fact, good predictors of future collegiate success.