Biographical data were collected on 665 students (in grades 11 and 12) previously identified as gifted and 421 other (control) students in an effort to improve identification procedures of students gifted in academic, leadership, or artistic areas; and to reduce racial and other biases when selecting students for specialized training. Ss were given a version of the Biographical Inventory (BI), Form R, (which consists of 300 multiple choice items that allow the individual to describe his past behavior and experiences) as well as a traditional IQ test. Results indicated that the BI scores were effective predictors of membership in either leadership, or artistic high ability groups. BI scores had a significantly lower relationship to membership in various ethnic groups than did IQ scores. (DB)