Individual Differences in Academic Growth: Do They Exist, and Can We Predict Them?

College admissions tests predict college performance well, particularly first year grade point average (GPA; Kuncel, Hezlett, & Ones, 2001, 2004). However, noncognitive measures may add to the incremental validity of cognitive measures in that they will assess a broader range of college performance dimensions and reduce racial subgroup differences in performance. Beyond predicting first year GPA, no studies, to our knowledge, have addressed patterns of academic growth across time. This paper reports data that demonstrate individual differences in academic growth patterns and variables that predict them. Results indicate that noncognitive predictors add to the prediction of GPA beyond traditional college admissions tests for our sample of freshmen students. Implications for student affairs professionals are discussed.