ACT Scores Predict Success on the Pre-Professional Skills Test
A study of 521 students who took the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) from 1988–1990 revealed that students with American College Test (ACT) composite scores of 21 or higher had a high probability of passing all three parts of the PPST on the first attempt at a cutoff score of 169. That is, they had demonstrated their mastery of the basic skills tested by the PPST. High correlations (.473 to .816) between the ACT and PPST support the notion that they are testing similar skills. As a result of the findings, the state board of education approved a change to the university's program that exempts students who have an ACT composite score of 21 or higher from taking the PPST.
Contributor Notes
William P. Soules is Advising Center Coordinator in the College of Education.
Rebecca L. Beatty is an elementary school teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Terri L. Hopper is an elementary school teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Address correspondence concerning this article to William P. Soules, College of Education, New Mexico State University, Box 30001, Dept. 3 AC. Las Cruces, NM 88003.
