The Effects of Birth Order on Academic Success

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between birth order and college GPA, high school GPA, SAT scores, anxiety level, and self-esteem. We hypothesized that eldest children would have higher college and high school GPAs, higher SAT scores, lower anxiety levels, and higher self-esteem compared to middle, youngest, and only children. The sample consisted of 127 students from General Psychology and Gateways (freshmen orientation) classes who completed a demographic survey, academic performance survey, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results of a one-way ANOVA demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between birth order and college GPA. However, the analyses for high school GPA, SAT scores, anxiety level, and self-esteem yielded statistically insignificant results.