The Validity of SAT Scores in Predicting First-Year Mathematics and English Grades - Research Report 2012-1

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Mary Man

Research report evaluating how well SAT scores predict first-year college grades in mathematics and English. It links SAT® results with high school grade point average (HSGPA) and analyzes relationships across overall samples and student subgroups. The study describes methods, sample selection, measures, data analysis procedures, and presents results including course-content and course-type comparisons. Findings are summarized in an executive overview with implications for future research, references, and supporting tables.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages36

Reading Time1 h 31 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Introduction

Relationship Between SAT Scores and Course Grades

Method

Sample

Measures

Data Analysis

Results

Mathematics Courses

English Courses

Future Research

Conclusion

References

Appendixes

ReseaRch RePoRt 2012-1 The Validity of SAT ® Scores in Predicting First-Year Mathematics and English Grades By Krista D. Mattern, Brian F. Patterson, and Jennifer L. Kobrin VALIDITY Krista D. Mattern is an associate research scientist at the College Board. Brian F. Patterson is an assistant research scientist at the College Board. Jennifer L. Kobrin is a research scientist at the College Board. Mission Statement The College Board’s mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. We are a not-for-profit membership organization committed to excellence and equity in education. About the College Board The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare fora successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program® . The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools. For further information, [visit www.collegeboard.org](visit www.collegeboard.org). © 2012 The College Board. College Board, Advanced Placement Program, AP, SAT and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the Colllege Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. All other products and services may be trademarks of their respective owners. Visit the College Board on [the Web: www.collegeboard.org](the Web: www.collegeboard.org). For more information on College Board research and data, visit [www.collegeboard.org/research](www.collegeboard.org/research). Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................ 4 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 5 Relationship Between SAT® Scores and Course Grades ............................. 5 Method ..................................................................................................................... 7 Sample .............................................................................................................. 7 Measures .......................................................................................................... 8 Data Analysis ................................................................................................... 9 Results .................................................................................................................... 10 Mathematics Courses ................................................................................... 10 English Courses ............................................................................................. 17 Future Research .................................................................................................... 24 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 25 References.............................................................................................................. 26 Appendixes ............................................................................................................ 27 Tables Table 1. Descriptive Statistics of Study Variables for First-Year Mathematics Courses ........ 11 Table 2. Corrected Correlations of SAT Scores and HSGPA with First-Year Mathematics Course Grades Overall and by Subgroups......................................... 13 Ta

FAQs

What relationship does the report examine between SAT scores and college course performance?

The report investigates how SAT® scores relate to first-year mathematics and English grades, including comparisons with high school GPA (HSGPA).

How is the analysis structured across mathematics and English courses?

Results are presented separately for mathematics courses and English courses, with additional breakdowns by subgroups and by course content/type.

What kinds of outputs are included to support the study’s conclusions?

The report includes tables of descriptive statistics and corrected (and uncorrected) correlations, along with measures of over- and underprediction for grades.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Mary Man