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#APSummit15
Discussion on Predictive Validity of Standardized Tests and How Washington State University Examined it
Debbie Major and Cheryl Oliver
Date: April 28, 2015
WSU Study
Assumptions surrounding the use of standardized examinations
Predictive Validity of GMAT & GRE
Limitations of GMAT & GRE
Dis
cuss
ion
Po
ints
Assumptions
Predictive validity for success in graduate programs
& Predictive validity for overall career success
Predictive Validity The GMAT and GRE have demonstrated predictive validity for just one factor which is students’ first-year graduate school GPA.
Does the GMAT and GRE demonstrate the ability to differentiate?
Limitations
Does the GMAT or GRE demonstrate predictive validity for program completion or career success?
Limitations
Does test preparation distort exam results?
Limitations
Are the GMAT and GRE systematically biased against low socio-economic students - females and minorities?
Limitations
Competitive Landscape
Thirty two (32) public universities offering low-residency, fully
online and hybrid MBA programs with varying admissions criteria.
Many do not require GMAT or GRE.
“The quality of the educational program should
not be judged by the test scores of the entering
students but rather by the knowledge, skills and
abilities of it’s outgoing (graduating) students.”
Barr, R and Tagg, J.
Entrance Examination Case
The Carson College of Business At Washington State University One MBA degree
• Face:Face • Main campus: ”emerging leaders” • Urban Campuses: working professionals
• Online • Online MBA: Working professionals • Executive MBA: Working professionals w/
10 years progressive leadership experience
The Challenge
• Executive MBA Online – Resistant to taking Exam – GMAC validity data excludes this audience
• Online MBA – Resistant to taking Exam – GMAC validity data excludes some of this – audience
Adjustment 1
Review of literature and adjustment to requirement for Executives
• Retained rigorous standards • Enabled waivers in specific circumstances
Result of Adjustment 1
• Conversions from EMBA inquires
• EMBA qualified candidates convert to EMBA
• Consistently high quality performance by students
Adjustment 2
Review of literature and adjustment to requirement for Executives and Online MBAs
• Retained rigorous standards • Enabled waivers in specific circumstances
Result of Adjustment 2
• Further consideration of changes to GMAT requirement
• Increased focus on undergraduate courses
• Increased focus on undergraduate or other graduate GPA
#APSummit15
Debbie Major, Consultant Pearson Embanet Cheryl Oliver, Assistant Dean Online and Graduate Programs Carson College of Business Washington State University
Slide Number 1Slide Number 2Slide Number 3AssumptionsPredictive ValidityLimitationsLimitationsLimitationsLimitationsSlide Number 10Slide Number 11Entrance Examination CaseThe ChallengeAdjustment 1Result of Adjustment 1Adjustment 2Result of Adjustment 2Slide Number 18