Letter to the Editor / March 10, 1985

Dr. Milagros Ibe, an education researcher at the University of the Philippines, reports: "Students whose intended courses are engineering and medicine or its allied fields scored higher [on the National College Entrance Examinations (NCEE)] than those who intended to take a natural science or education course" (Malaya, Mar. 6).

According to Dr. Ibe’s interpretation, a student’s choice of major predicts his test scores.

But after a little reflection, we realize that Dr. Ibe’s interpretation does not confirm the experience. It is our abilities and aptitudes, as measured by test scores, that help determine which major to choose. Dr. Ibe would have us believe that it is our choice of major that determines our test scores.

Per Dr. Ibe’s interpretation, Dr. Ibe’s own level of intelligence is at least partially determined by the fact that years ago, she decided to major in education. I think it is more responsible to suggest that it was Dr. Ibe’s level of intelligence which helped her decide, years ago, that she would major in education.

POLLY HERNANDO