Identifying Students at Risk for Leaving an Institution: A Tool to Improve Retention

• In Event: Topics in Test Validity: Theory and Practice

Abstract

The current study will explore the validity and potential of using the SAT, in conjunction with HSGPA, to arrive at a predicted FYGPA to improve student retention at four-year postsecondary institutions. Specifically, this study examined whether college students who did not perform as expected (observed FYGPA minus predicted FYGPA) were more likely to leave their institution. Results showed that both under- and over-performing students were more likely to leave college as compared to their academically similar peers who performed as expected. Recommendations for institutions to incorporate this information as part of a cost-effective and efficient detection tool to identify students that may be at risk for not completing their degrees and to help improve institutional retention rates are provided.

Authors

• Emily J. Shaw, The College Board

• Krista D. Mattern, The College Board