Prediction of Success in an Applied M.A. Psychology Program

This study investigated the extent to which various traditional measures (test scores, undergraduate GPA, and letters of recommendation) and less traditional measures (interview ratings and biographical information) would predict each of two criteria of success in a subdoctoral program in applied psychology: (a) academic competency defined as grade point average (GPA) in graduate school, and (b) faculty ratings of selected interpersonal skills. The traditional measures were significantly but modestly related to academic competency. The use of biographical information and interview ratings was supported in selecting for interpersonal skills. Ratings of letters of recommendation failed to show a relationship to either GPA or ratings of interpersonal skills.