The value of noncognitive factors in predicting students' first-year academic probation

To test the value of Sedlacek's Noncognitive Questionnaire (NQ) in predicting the risk of academic probation for first-year students at the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University.

Ninety-six of 106 students completed the NQ during their first week of medical school. The NQ assesses the students in eight noncognitive domains such as academic positive self-concept and realistic self-appraisal. Using a previously derived grade-point average (GPA) and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)-based risk-prediction equation, students were classified as high- or low-risk for first-year academic probation. At the end of their first year, students actually on probation were identified.

High-risk students scored significantly higher than did low-risk students in both academic positive self-concept and realistic self-appraisal. The NQ factors alone predicted risk at a 70% accuracy rate, slightly lower than when the previously derived risk equation was used (74%).

Sedlacek's noncognitive factors did not improve upon a prediction of academic probation based on GPA and MCAT scores. Sedlacek's NQ may lack the sensitivity required for use with medical students. Further research may identify more appropriate noncognitive factors.