Validity of selection criteria for a coordinated undergraduate program

Academic records and selection interview results of 46 graduates of the University of Minnesota coordinated undergraduate program (CUP) in dietetics were examined to determine relationships between selection criteria and subsequent performance in the program and on the registration examination for dietitians. Data collected included (a) entering science, communication, and overall grade point averages (GPAs), (b) junior and senior year grades in professional didactic and clinical courses, (c) registration examination scores, and (d) interview scores. Entering GPAs were significantly related to performance on the registration examination and to didactic, but not to clinical, performance in the program. Grades in clinical courses were seldom related to registration examination performance. Interview results showed little relationship either to program performance or to registration examination scores.