To what extent do cognitive abilities, conscientiousness, and physical activity predict academic performance?

We tested a novel framework for explaining individual differences in academic performance with a large sample of undergraduates ( n = 263). Using structural equation modeling, we evaluated how cognitive abilities, disposition, and healthy lifestyle separately influence grade point average. Employing a large cognitive battery assessing eight cognitive constructs and a bifactor model, we parsed variance due to general cognitive ability and residual specific cognitive abilities. General ability is the underlying process common to virtually all cognitive tasks, while specific abilities, like attention, memory or fluid intelligence, require a specific strategy or mechanism. Participants wore a Fitbit watch for three weeks to track activity levels, and completed the Big Five Inventory. We found that general cognitive ability did not predict academic performance after accounting for specific abilities, conscientiousness, and physical activity, but the specific ability fluid intelligence uniquely predicted 5 % of the variance in grade point average. Neither conscientiousness nor physical activity contributed unique variance in academic performance after accounting for other factors. Overall, the model accounted for 15 % of the variance in GPA. • Cognitive ability, conscientiousness and activity predicted 15 % of GPA variance. • General cognitive ability did not predict GPA after accounting for specific abilities. • Only specific cognitive ability fluid intelligence predicted GPA. • Conscientiousness did not predict academic performance, despite previous work. • Physical activity, via an actigraphy device, did not predict college success.