Achievement versus aptitude in college admissions: A cautionary note based on evidence from Chile

In recent years there has been a debate over the alleged superiority of achievement tests over aptitude tests on the grounds that the first would be fairer for college admissions and less influenced by family background. The switch from aptitude tests to achievement tests in Chile presented a unique opportunity to examine this claim. Regression analysis was used to assess the impact of the change in test performance using data from seven cohorts of test-takers. The evidence does not support the superiority of achievement tests, particularly when these assess extensive contents.

► We assess the claim of superiority of achievement tests over aptitude tests. ► Achievement tests are not superior for admission purposes of low SES student. ► Increasing amount of content in achievement tests favor affluent students.