Noncognitive Constructs: Measuring Abilities and Supporting Student Success

Session Abstract: Research suggests that traditional admissions tests, which focus on cognitive factors (e.g., the SAT or ACT), have not achieved the goal of accurately predicting college success, particularly for underrepresented and low-income students. Researchers at the Center for Predictive Analytics at Morgan State University have developed the Measuring Abilities Supporting Student Success (MAS3)ᵀᴹ to measure noncognitive constructs predictive of student success outcomes (e.g., retention), addressing this gap. This session will share preliminary findings from the 2023–2024 pilot and explore ways to integrate the instrument into retention strategies, institutional support structures, and broader applications in admissions, first-year programs, and career readiness. The MAS3ᵀᴹ holds promise to impact educational opportunity for Black, Hispanic, and low-income students, particularly at HBCUs.

Keywords: First-year programs, assessment development, HBCU, non-cognitive, student success