Graduate Record Examination Scores and Academic Background Variables as Predictors of Graduate Degree Completion

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive validity of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and academic background variables for graduate degree completion in psychology. Stepwise logistic regression procedures were used to analyze the relative contribution of each GRE score and academic background variable toward explaining subsequent degree completion. GRE Verbal scores entered the prediction equation first as the best predictor of degree completion for students in professional psychology areas but entered the equation last for students in general/ experimental psychology. The results of this study indicated that the predictor variables did not predict similarly for all graduate students in psychology. The results of this study have implications for faculty involved in the selection of students for graduate study in psychology.