Exploring the Predictive Value of the ACT Among First-Year College Students on Academic Probation

This study explored the relationship between ACT scores and academic achievement among first-year college students on academic probation (n = 192) at a large southern university. Results suggest participants’ ACT scores did not correlate with second semester grade point averages (GPA). When GPAs were compared with ACT scores of the larger student body admitted during the same academic year, results indicated students on academic probation averaged significantly lower. However, comparisons with national averages suggest participants’ ACT scores demonstrated a regression to the mean. The implications this study has for retention, academic improvement, and academic counseling in higher education are discussed.