Use of Biodata for Predicting Academic Success over Thirty Years

Abstract

This study examined the predictive validity of two alternate predictors of academic success, namely, high school grades and biodata based on information derived from the University Central Council on Admission forms (the standard admission form for British universities) from 516 students who graduated between 1961 and 1989. Both predictors showed moderate predictive validity. The validity of biodata items reduced as a function of time; biodata developed on a basis of information in the earlier years hardly predicted academic success in later years.