Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Athletic Training

First Advisor

Catherine Stemmans

Second Advisor

Christopher Ingersoll

Third Advisor

John Storsved

Abstract

Introduction: The increased number of applicants to allied health education programs has increased the responsibility of advisors and counselors to identify students that are most likely to succeed in the classroom and in the clinic. High school variables indicative of admission can be used as an early intervention to identify students' areas of strength. Students can be directed to resources that may improve his/her academic profile and possibly his/her chance of admission. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identil\1 whether or not high school cumulative grade point average, high school rank in class, or standardized test scores can predict successful admission to the Indiana State University (ISU) undergraduate entry-level athletic training education program (ATEP). Design: The dependent variable is admission to the ISU undergraduate ATEP. The three independent variables are: 1) standardized test scores, 2) cumulative high school grade point average, and 3) high school rank in class. Subjects: Data were collected for 364 students (219 female, 145 male, mean age of 19 ± 1.3 years) from ISU who enrolled in Introduction to Health Professions from 1995 to 2000. Methods: Gender, age, cumulative high school grade point average, high school class rank, high school class size, and standardized test scores were collected. Rank in class was calculated. When the American College Testing score was the only standardized test score reported, the Scholastic Aptitude Test recentered composite score was estimated using a nationally normed concordance table. Results: Cumulative high school grade point average was found to be the only predictor of successful admission to the ISU undergraduate ATEP, explaining 5% of the variance. Conclusions: While GPA was found to be the only predictor of successful admission in this study, accounting for 5% of the variance suggests that students once in college cnn reprioritize academic achievement and be successful. An increased high school grade point average suggests the student will have a more reasonable chance of success with competitive admissions processes.

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