Test Participation or Test Performance: Why Do Men Benefit from Test-Based Admission to Higher Education?

This study illuminates the male advantage in test-based admissions to higher education. In contrast many other countries, admission tests Germany are optional, and test-free programs available. context offers a unique opportunity investigate whether is caused by gender differences test performance or participation. We use novel register data for whole population of 300,000 applicants highly selective prestigious medical Germany. find that men perform better female more likely withdraw from tests. Both differences, however, depend on high school grade point average (GPA): The emerges only among test-takers with lower GPA, applicants’ stronger avoidance appears women medium GPA. Ultimately, both mechanisms contribute (ceteris paribus GPA), being major source chances. As consequence, we almost neutralize each other.