The Use of Non-Cognitive Variables in Admission Decisions for High At-Risk College Applicants

Abstract

An admissions program which includes non-cognitive measures was developed to identify high at-risk college applicants who were likely to be academically successful. The Individual Applicant Review (IAR) program required high at-risk applicants to complete a survey of accomplishments and write three essays. The academic performance of fall 1994 freshmen admitted through the IAR program was compared to that of high at-risk freshmen admitted in fall 1993. No differences were found between the two groups indicating that the IAR program was not effective. Results of multiple regression analyses identified a non-cognitive variable (leadership/administrative experience) that contributed significantly to the prediction of college GPA among high at-risk students. The relationship between the non-cognitive variable was not validated with another cohort of high at-risk students.