Tested the relation between the "Big Five" personality factors on the NEO-PI and students' academic performance in a research-oriented personality psychology course. In keeping with predictions, the results indicated that conscientiousness was a successful predictor of course grade, objective test performance (reflecting rote learning), and independent credit points (reflecting effort, particularly early completion of projects). Openness, especially intellectual openness, also contributed to explaining course grade and objective test performance. However, final exam essay points (an indicator of higher level integration and synthesis) was unrelated to the NEO-PI factors. The results add to the construct validity of the NEO-PI and suggest that it can predict non-self-report criteria. © 1991.