Kaylani Rae Othman
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Kaylani Rae Othman has a total of 2 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Audrey Conway Roberts
Bowling Green State University, OH, USA
1 shared publication - Rachel A. Vannatta
College of Education and Human Development, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 22 August 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Education Sciences
- Vol. 15 (9) , 1089
Predictors of Early College Success in the U.S.: An Initial Examination of Test-Optional Policies
For decades, the U.S. college admissions process has utilized standardized exams as critical indicators of college readiness. With the onset of the COVID pandemic, the majority of 4-year universities implemented the Test-Optional policy to improve college access and enrollment. The Test-Optional policy allows prospective high school students to apply to institutions that have implemented this policy without a SAT or ACT score. This study examined the use of the Test-Optional policy and its relationship with early college success. Forward multiple regression examined which variables of High School GPA, Students of Color, First-Generation Status, Test-Optional, Pell Eligible, and Pre-College Credits best predict undergraduate first-year GPA. The results generated a five-variable model that accounted for 31% of the variability in first-year college GPA. High School GPA was the strongest predictor, while Test-Optional was not entered into the model. Binary logistic regression examined predictors of first-year college completion. Our results revealed the model including High School GPA, which tripled the odds of first-year completion. Again, Test-Optional was not included in the model. Although Students of Color and Pell Eligibility utilized Test-Optional significantly more than their peers, Test-Optional was not a significant predictor of first-year College GPA or first-year completion.
- 22 August 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Education Sciences
- Vol. 15 (9) , 1089
Open AccessPredictors of Early College Success in the U.S.: An Initial Examination of Test-Optional Policies
For decades, the U.S. college admissions process has utilized standardized exams as critical indicators of college readiness. With the onset of the COVID pandemic, the majority of 4-year universities implemented the Test-Optional policy to improve college access and enrollment. The Test-Optional policy allows prospective high school students to apply to institutions that have implemented this policy without a SAT or ACT score. This study examined the use of the Test-Optional policy and its relationship with early college success. Forward multiple regression examined which variables of High School GPA, Students of Color, First-Generation Status, Test-Optional, Pell Eligible, and Pre-College Credits best predict undergraduate first-year GPA. The results generated a five-variable model that accounted for 31% of the variability in first-year college GPA. High School GPA was the strongest predictor, while Test-Optional was not entered into the model. Binary logistic regression examined predictors of first-year college completion. Our results revealed the model including High School GPA, which tripled the odds of first-year completion. Again, Test-Optional was not included in the model. Although Students of Color and Pell Eligibility utilized Test-Optional significantly more than their peers, Test-Optional was not a significant predictor of first-year College GPA or first-year completion.