Review of Predicting success in professional schools

Abstract

Reviews the book entitled "Predicting success in professional schools" written by D. B. Stuit et al. (see record 1950-03410-000 ). This book summarizes present knowledge gained from experience and research in predicting success in professional schools. It is edited under the sponsorship of the Committee on Student Personnel Work of the American Council on Education and is based on a series of technical bulletins prepared by the Veterans Administration for use by vocational advisers. Professional fields included are engineering, law, medicine, dentistry, music, agriculture, teaching, and nursing. The already comprehensive compilation of information in the Technical Bulletins has been extended in its usefulness by a very good editing job. A valuable introductory chapter has been added on problems and techniques of prediction. This contains such a good discussion of the problems of prediction, and limitations of research, that it would merit reading and re-reading by all practitioners. The general discussion of tests as predictive indices omits raising the question of whether tests measure what they purport to measure. It is also somewhat disappointing that although there is emphasis on the restriction of the use of clinical instruments (i.e., .personality tests) to professional workers with adequate background in Clinical Psychology, there is not equal caution expressed regarding the interpretation and clinical use of any testing in the counseling process. Despite a few omissions, this book is an invaluable compilation for any high school or college counselor. It would seem also that in carefully selected cases it might profitably be made available to counselees who are considering one or another of the professional fields covered. In any case, filling a major gap, it is an imperative addition to the working materials of the professional counselor. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)