Validity of the SAT - for Predicting First-Year College Grade Point Average - Research Report No. 2008-5

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver

This report presents results of a large-scale national validity study of the SAT. In March 2005, the College Board introduced a revised SAT, adding a writing section and making minor content changes to verbal and mathematics. The first full student cohort completed its first year of college in May/June 2007. The study describes recruitment of institutions, data gathering, cleaning and aggregation, and the statistical corrections and analyses used. Findings indicate the SAT revisions did not substantially affect prediction of first-year college performance, compared across institutions, and include context with prior validity research plus directions for future SAT validity studies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Method

Recruitment and Sample

Measures

SAT Scores

SAT Questionnaire Responses

First-Year GPA (FYGPA)

Data Analyses

Results

Descriptive Statistics

Correlations with FYGPA

Conclusions

Future Research

References

Appendix A: Participating Institutions

Appendix B: Characteristics of Participating Institutions

Research Report No . 2008-5 Validity of the SAT ® for Predicting First-Year College Grade Point Average Jennifer L. Kobrin, Brian F. Patterson, Emily J. Shaw, Krista D. Mattern, and Sandra M. Barbuti [www.collegeboard.com](www.collegeboard.com) College Board Research Report No. 2008-5 Validity of the SAT ® for Predicting First-Year College Grade Point Average Jennifer L. Kobrin, Brian F. Patterson, Emily J. Shaw, Krista D. Mattern, and Sandra M. Barbuti The College Board, New York, 2008 Jennifer L. Kobrin is a research scientist at the College Board. Brian F. Patterson is an assistant research scientist at the College Board. Emily J. Shaw is an assistant research scientist at the College Board. Krista D. Mattern is an assistant research scientist at the College Board. Sandra M. Barbuti is a data analyst at the College Board. 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 5,400 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven 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 best-known 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 \#080482568) maybe 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. © 2008 The College Board. All rights reserved. College Board, Advanced Placement Program, AP, connect to college success, SAT, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. ACES and Admitted Class Evaluation Service are trademarks owned by the College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College 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.com](College Board on the Web: www.collegeboard.com). Printed in the United States of America. Acknowledgments The authors wish to acknowledge many contributors to this research. Wayne Camara, Mary-Margaret Kerns, Andrew Wiley, Robert Majoros, and Helen Ng were crucial to planning and securing the resources necessary to undertake such a large-scale study. Stephen Frustino, Pooja Kosunam, and Mylene Remigio expertly prepared the database for analysis. Gerald Melican, Anne Harvey, and Kurt Geisinger provided valuable reviews and feedback. The College Board’s regional staff greatly assisted by recruiting institutions for participation. Finally, the College Board’s Research Advisory Committee and Psychometric Panel provided important guidance along the way. Contents Abstract ..................................... 1 Introduction ................................. 1 Method ..................................... 2 Recruitment and Sample ....................2 Measures ................................. 3 SAT® Scores ............................. 3 SAT Questionnaire Responses .............. 3 First-Year GPA (FYGPA) .................. 3 Data Analyses ............................. 3 Results ....................

FAQs

What does the report evaluate about the SAT?

The report evaluates the SAT’s validity for predicting first-year college grade point average (FYGPA). It assesses how well the test predicts early college performance after revisions.

What changes were made to the SAT in March 2005?

The SAT was revised with an added writing section and minor content changes in the verbal and mathematics sections.

How was the study carried out and analyzed?

The report documents institution recruitment, procedures for gathering, cleaning, and aggregating data, and the statistical corrections and analyses applied before presenting results.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver