Understanding What SAT Reasoning Test Scores Add to High School Grades - A Straightforward Approach

Sep 14, 2026

Although large-scale studies show SAT® scores can improve predictive validity, the report examines how SAT Reasoning Test results relate to high school grades and freshman outcomes. It analyzes grade point average patterns, college selectivity and academic intensity, and the role of SAT score bands in forecasting CGPA across the freshman year and over four years. Results and discussion focus on success predictors and implications for using narrower score bands.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time1 h 6 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Method

Sample

Analysis Categories

College selectivity level

Academic intensity

High school grade point average

SAT scores

Results and Discussion

Predictors of Success in the Freshman Year

Predictors of Success Over Four Years in College

Effects of Using Narrower SAT Score Bands for Predicting Freshman CGPA

Conclusions

References

Appendix

Research Report No . 2004-4 Understanding What SAT Reasoning Test ™ Scores Add to High School Grades: A Straightforward Approach Brent Bridgeman, Judy Pollack, and Nancy Burton College Board Research Report No. 2004-4 ETS RR-04-40 Understanding What SAT Reasoning Test ™ Scores Add to High School Grades: A Straightforward Approach Brent Bridgeman, Judy Pollack, and Nancy Burton College Entrance Examination Board, New York, 2004 Brent Bridgeman is principal research scientist at Educational Testing Service. Judy Pollack is director, research at Educational Testing Service. Nancy Burton is senior research scientist at Educational Testing Service. Researchers are encouraged to freely express their professional judgment. Therefore, points of view or opinions stated in College Board Reports do not necessarily represent official College Board position or policy. The College Board: Connecting Students to College Success The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 4,500 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves over three million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its bestknown programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) . The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns. For further information, [visit www.collegeboard.com](visit www.collegeboard.com). Additional copies of this report (item \#040481304) may be obtained from College Board Publications, Box 886, New York, NY 10101-0886, 800 323-7155. The price is $15. Please include $4 for postage and handling. Copyright © 2004 by College Entrance Examination Board. All rights reserved. College Board, Advanced Placement Program, AP, SAT, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks ofthe College Entrance Examination Board. Connect to college success and SAT Reasoning Test are trademarks owned by the College Entrance Examination Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Other products and services may be trademarks of their respective owners. Visit College Board on the Web: [www.collegeboard.com](www.collegeboard.com). Printed in the United States of America. Acknowledgments We are very grateful for the hard work of the staff in the colleges who collected and organized the grade information for the database used in this study. Thanks also to staff at the College Board, especially Amy Schmidt, who supported this massive effort from its inception. Contents Abstract ..................................... 1 Introduction ................................. 1 Method ..................................... 1 Sample ................................... 1 Analysis Categories .........................2 College selectivity level ....................2 Academic intensity ....................... 3 High school grade point average ............ 3 SAT® scores.............................. 4 Results and Discussion ......................... 4 Predictors of Success in the Freshman Year ...... 4 Predictors of Success Over Four Years in College ................................. 5 Effects of Using Narrower SAT Score Bands for Predicting Freshman CGPA ............ 8 Conclusions .................................. 9 References .................................. 10 Appendix ................................... 11 Tables 1. Participating Colleges by College Selectivity Level............................ 2 2. Percent of Student

FAQs

What is the main goal of this report?

To understand what SAT Reasoning Test scores add to high school grades for predicting academic success in college.

Which student and context factors are analyzed?

The report considers college selectivity level, academic intensity, high school grade point average, and SAT scores, including comparisons across score band approaches.

How does the report evaluate predictors of success?

It examines predictors of freshman-year success and also tracks predictors over four years in college, followed by analysis of narrower SAT score bands for forecasting freshman CGPA.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Alex Sinclair