Are all Bachelor’s grades created equal? Two studies, conducted in collaboration with the University of Duisburg-Essen and candidate select GmbH, shed light on the comparability of bachelor grades.
The challenge: diverse universities, divergent standards
Bachelor’s grades often carry limited significance due to variations in university requirements, grading practices, and performance levels. To address this, we analyzed the performance of graduates who underwent the aptitude test GTEBS (Graduate Test for Economics, Business and Social Sciences).
In-Depth analysis: decoding the differences
Our first study focused on graduates with identical bachelor grades from diverse schools and fields. The findings revealed significant differences – business-related STEM graduates emerged as top performers, followed by economics graduates, with notable distinctions in the quantitative section.
Correlations between grades and performance
In our second study, we explored correlations between test results and bachelor grades. Initially, a modest correlation of r=.27 was observed. However, after applying the CASE algorithm for statistical grade correction, this correlation surged significantly to r=.42.
What’s the Takeaway? The results underscore the challenge of comparing bachelor grades across institutions and fields. But you can enhance the comparability of grades with statistical corrections through tools like the CASE algorithm. Moreover, employing a study aptitude test aligned with aptitude diagnostic standards proves invaluable.
The future of evaluation: Elevating the selection process
Our research showcases the importance of refining admission procedures to base them on the true potential of candidates. By statistical corrections and standardised aptitude tests, we can increase accuracy and fairness of selection processes.
