The value of noncognitive measures in medical school admissions was assessed in light of the exist ing literature. These measures appear to have limit ed usefulness in predicting success in academic work but may be valuable in forecasting both per formance in clinical training and performance as a physician, as well as forecasting choice of the type of practice and its location. Noncognitive measures are useful as predictors of such criteria and may be valuable in forecasting the decisions of admissions committees; their use as moderator variables, how ever, is problematic. Newer personality and interest inventories, along with biographical questionnaires, are the most promising measures. Older interest in ventories may have some value; but traditional per sonality inventories and projective techniques, as well as interviews, seem to have limited usefulness. The merit of the other measures is uncertain: Let ters of recommendation are probably of little use; but cognitive style tests, objective performance de vices, and special adaptations of projective tech niques deserve more attention. The evaluation of noncognitive measures is hampered by inadequate criteria. Distortion by examinees threatens all self- report measures but can be controlled.
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