Not So Black and White: Understanding Group Differences in Academic Performance

Abstract

This study examined race and gender group differences in academic performance measures that are widely used in college admissions and personnel selection contexts. Each of the study variables (e.g., SAT, high school GPA, and college GPA) were examined over time, but the group differences in GPA were significantly lower than other assessments used in employment. The findings reveal that women across two ethnic groups performed better than men in academic outcomes that should result in a higher rate of selection success when GPA is used. The implications for personnel strategies are discussed with suggestions for future research.